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Solar photovoltaic panels in a nutshell

Solar photovoltaic panels are flat panels of solar cells.

Solar cells or 'photovoltaic cells'are used to make electricity from sunlight.

Solar photovoltaic panels are one component of a household solar power system. Other components are:

• An inverter which converts the DC (direct current) current from the cells to AC (alternating current) - the type of current used in homes. Some inverters have a display that shows how much power is being generated from the solar panels
• Two-way electricity meter allows surplus power from the solar cells to be directed into the electricity grid for other consumers to use. The value of the surplus power is credited to the household electricity account. This meter is also known as a 'smart meter'.

Solar photovoltaic panels can generate electricity without any waste or pollution, or dependence on the Earth's natural resources. They have no moving parts, are relatively easy to install and are low maintenance.

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