How Does a Solar Panel Work?

A photovoltaic array is a number of PV panels, which are in turn made of multiple connected solar cells. Each cell produces a maximum power of approx 2 - 3 Watt peak (Wp) depending on the manufacturer, production technology and efficiency of the solar cell. The solar cells are sorted out so that all solar cells in a PV module have the same power. In a standard PV module 72 solar cells are connected together so in the market a power range of approx 170Wp – 240Wp per PV module is available.

The solar cells convert the solar energy into direct current (DC) similar like a battery. The PV panels are connected to an inverter. By connecting the PV panels in series and/or in parallel, small or very large solar systems can be developed. All the PV panels will be connected to a PV inverter. This inverter converts the DC current into AC current. This can be connected to the electric power grid in house for small systems but can also be connected to a high voltage substation for large systems. The number of kilo Watt hours that will be supplied by the inverter (Solar system) will be counted by a calibrated kilo Watt hour meter and can be sold. In this way we created our own small or large electricity production installation depending on the numbers of panels used.

A photovoltaic system therefore does not need bright sunlight in order to operate. It can also generate electricity on cloudy days. Due to the reflection of sunlight, days with slight cloud can even result in higher energy yields than days with a completely cloudless sky.

Generating energy through solar PV is quite different from how a solar thermal system works, where the sun’s rays are used to generate heat, usually for hot water in a house, swimming pool, etc.