Home   Contact Us   Donate!  Solar Community Outreach   Arizona Goes Solar!   Solar PR   

What is a Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Electric System?

Source: Photovoltaic Systems Text Book

Photovoltaics is a solar energy technology that uses the unique properties of certain semi-conductors to directly convert radiation into electricity. Photovoltaic (PV) systems use wafers, typically made of crystalline silicon, that are sensitive to sunlight and produce a small direct current when exposed to light. When these PV cells, also known as solar cells, are combined into larger arrangements called modules, they produce an appreciable amount of electrical power with no moving parts, noise or harmful emissions.

A solar photovoltaics (PV) system is an electrical system consisting of a solar PV module array and other electrical components needed to convert solar energy into electricity usable by loads. These components can be arranged in many ways to design PV systems for different situations, but the most common configuration is a utility grid-tied system, which is found on commercial and residential buildings. These solar PV may or may not include battery storage. The solar array is usually mounted on a south facing rooftop or nearby on the ground.

Want to know more about solar power systems?

If you would like to learn more about solar power systems, we highly recommend that you buy a copy of the Photovoltaic Systems text book, which is used by the Arizona Solar Power Society to teach its entry level solar training courses.

You can click here to buy a copy of the 468-page college level text book or click here to sign up for an online solar training class.

---

More Links to Learn about Solar:

• What is an Energy Efficient Solar Home?

• What is Solar Thermal Hot Water Heater?

• What is Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Power Array?

• Top 10 Reasons to Go Solar in Arizona

• Call a Local Solar Installation Company

• Advertise on Go Solar in Arizona

• Read Up on Solar Products and Services

• Become an Arizona Solar Advocate

• Build Your Own Solar Community Outreach Program

• Find a Solar Subject Matter Expert

• Take a Solar Training Course to Learn about Solar Energy

• Find a Solar Job

• Support an Arizona Solar Feed-in Tariff

• Promote Energy Efficiency 203k Green Home Mortgages

• Create Green Building Programs for Your City

• Create a Solar Builder Reognition Program for Your City

• Streamline Solar Permits with Incentives and Rebate Options

• Create Solar Educational & Resource Assistance Programs

• Monitor Fraud with the Arizona Solar Watch Dog Program