PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY

The sun's energy can also be made directly into electricity using photovoltaic (PV) cells, sometimes called solar cells. PV cells make electricity without moving, making noise, or polluting. Small ones are used in calculators and watches. They also provide power to satellites, electric lights, and small electrical appliances,

When more power is needed, PV cells can be wired together to form a panel. For large power requirements, PV modules are wired together into an array. PV arrays can produce enough power to meet the electrical needs of your house - or for even larger uses. Because PV systems produce optimum amounts of electricity when the sun is shining, and less when it is cloudy, these systems need batteries to store the electricity for use when required unless the system is grid-connected.