Photovoltaics (PV) or solar cells as they are often referred to, are semiconductor devices that convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity. Groups of PV cells are electrically configured into modules and arrays, which can be used to charge batteries, operate motors, and to power any number of electrical loads. With the appropriate power conversion equipment, PV systems can produce alternating current (AC) compatible with any conventional appliances, and operate in parallel with and interconnected to the utility grid.

Solar panels used to produce electricity

The solar panels used to produce electricity, are really interesting, because generating electricity free. On the basis of this process is photovoltaic cell. In short, in contact with the sun, it produces electricity. Fotons of sunlight (such small particles produced especially by the Stars, moving with light speed) "bombe" atoms in the material which is made photovoltaic cell. Under this, they undergo transformation releasing electrons (thus forming electricity).

Photovoltaic cells are grouped into matrices, which in turn make up the solar panels.

The advantages and disadvantages of solar panels

The advantages of using these systems are obvious: renewable energy and free, which can be used to supply permanent dwelling citizens. It is true that the cost of an WATT through solar panels is 6-7 times higher than the cost of producing its thermal, but the investment depreciated over time. In addition, do not forget: solar panels are organic. And how natural resources are already in danger of exhaustion would be little time to think about our future and our children right now. May be clearly said that the purchase price of the entire equipment is still high (but the price is constantly declining, and in addition it is paid only once in principle, following the much to pay in a number of years a maintenance fee installations and equipment are depreciated in a number of years, even after they become profitable, while cleaner technologies of the future come down, they might drop their price even if now would be produced in industrial quantities much higher, produced by modern technology (resulting from advanced scientific research, which must attend mandatory collective multidisciplinary), for these reasons the production and their use should be compulsory controlled by governments through agencies and government departments of energy, environment, creation of new technologies, industrial and scientific, all governments are called upon to subsidized the purchase price of equipment at least for a period of 20-40 years, that is, as long as the equipment is still in an experimental stage and technology manufacturing cost which is reflected even in their purchase price.

The efficiency of solar panel very much depends on the angle under which falls on the solar radius, which implies the need for mounting such a system of energy production by specialists. To cover energy needs of the whole case will be a need for solar panels many tens of square meters because the equipment needed to cover the entire home and family concerned and the old contracts for the supply of electricity to end total in this way is truly unloaded the national energeticaly system, is an economy of electricity produced classic, and an decrease of indirect losses of transport networks. Because yes, it is possible that a dwelling to work exclusively with solar energy in ideal conditions.

The production of electricity with solar panels are reliable, can hold up to 25 years. Their performances have raised increasingly in recent years, and the price of assembly and made decreased. It is estimated that the price of electricity generation by panels with photovoltaic cells will equal that of polluting energy (produced by thermal power). To top solar panels are ideal for the supply of electricity to isolated housing, the research points or satellites (they used for the first time this type of energy).

Installing your solar photovoltaic (PV) system means that you can generate your electricity from the free and inexhaustible energy from the sun. A photovoltaic system never needs refuelling, emits no pollution, and can be expected to operate for over 30 years while requiring minimal maintenance. A typical PV system on a house roof could prevent over 34 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions during its lifetime.

Today photovoltaic systems are recognized by governments, environmental organizations and commercial organizations as a technology with the potential to supply a significant part of the worlds energy needs in a sustainable and renewable manner. Organizations such as Shell and BP have set up large photovoltaic manufacturing plants and environmental organizations such as Greenpeace strongly support the use of solar energy.

Installing a photovoltaic system is one of the ways householders and other building owners can contribute towards a sustainable future for everyone.

With global climate change threatening all our futures, we need to switch to clean, renewable forms of energy and electricity production. Solar electric panels can generate electricity that is free from pollution, fuelled by the natural resource of the sun, which is free, abundant and inexhaustible.

The key benefits of a solar roof are:
- Your clean power source that helps reduce global warming
- Reduces your electricity bills, since daylight is free
- Increases the value of your property
- Extremely low maintenance, with a long functional lifetime of 30 years or more
- Silent in operation
- Increases your awareness of electricity use and encourages more energy efficient behaviour

Photovoltaic means electricity from light. Photovoltaic systems use daylight to power ordinary electrical equipment, for example, household appliances, computers and lighting. The photovoltaic (PV) process converts free solar energy - the most abundant energy source on the planet - directly into electricity. Note that this is not the familiar solar thermal technology used for heating and hot water.

A PV cell consists of two or more thin layers of semi-conducting material, most commonly silicon. When the silicon is exposed to light, electrical charges are generated and this can be conducted away by metal contacts as direct current (DC). The electrical output from a single cell is small, so multiple cells are connected together and encapsulated (usually behind glass) to form a module (sometimes referred to as a "panel"). The PV module is the principle building block of a PV system and any number of modules can be connected together to give the desired electrical output.

PV equipment has no moving parts and as a result requires minimal maintenance. It generates electricity without producing emissions of greenhouse or any other gases, and its operation is virtually silent.

PV systems supply electricity to many applications, ranging from systems supplying power to city buildings (which are also connected to the normal local electricity network) to systems supplying power to garden lights.