Photovoltaic Module

As civilization progresses, some new technologies are invented while some old technologies are built upon, improved and refined.

Since the dawn of man, the sun has been a source of great wonder, inspiration and practical use. Although the term "photovoltaic" sounds hi-tech and new, the use of the sun for energy is anything but a new idea.

"Photovoltaic" is a term that contains two parts: photo and voltaic. Photo is derived from the Greek word for light - "phos", and a volt is a measurement unit for electrical force. Literally, the term "photovoltaic" means "electricity through light". A photovoltaic module then is an apparatus that captures solar energy in the form of light and converts it into electricity.

Sunlight is made up of "photons", which are particles of solar energy. When a photon hits a photovoltaic cell (also called a "PV cell" for short) one of three things occurs:

• The photon can be reflected by the photovoltaic cell
• The photon can be absorbed by the photovoltaic cell
• The photon can even pass right through the photovoltaic cell. Only the photons which are absorbed by the photovoltaic cell are converted into solar energy (in the form of electricity).

A group of photovoltaic cells connected together is known as a photovoltaic module, or a PV module. Another name for such an apparatus is "solar panel" or "solar charger". Batteries capture and store solar energy that has been converted into electricity by photovoltaic modules. An inverter is an electrical devise that changes the electricity produced by the photovoltaic modules into alternating currents.

A good quality PV system will run optimally for more than twenty years. The photovoltaic module, having no moving parts, has an expected lifetime exceeding thirty years. Most system problems occur simply due to poor installation, so be sure to install yours in the proper manner.