Solar energy is becoming an increasingly popular addition for homeowners looking to reduce their impact on the environment and lower their energy bills. However, when looking for solar panels to install to your property, it can be very confusing with various different technical terms and insights.
A very common question that many homeowners have is what does photovoltaic mean? This is an essential part of how your solar panels turn sunlight into energy.
So, what does photovoltaic mean, and how does it work?
The term photovoltaic is the term that is used for generating electricity from the sun’s energy. The word is formed of two Greek terms, ‘Photo,’ which means light and ‘Voltaic,’ which means voltage.
When people ask, “what does photovoltaic mean?”, they are typically looking to discover how their solar panels work. The photoelectric effect is when materials on the panel, such as silicon, absorb photons of light and convert them into electrons.
Although solar panels are a relatively recent addition, the photoelectric effect was first identified by a French physicist in 1839. Edmund Bequerel was able to determine that certain materials were able to generate very small amounts of electricity when they were exposed to sunlight. This information was then developed further by Albert Einstein in 1905, describing the nature of light and the photoelectric effect, with this information being used to create photovoltaic technology.
Although this technology was primitive at the time, scientists have continued to research and develop it into the powerful and effective solar panels that we use today.
How does photovoltaic technology work in solar panels?
Now we have answered “what does photovoltaic mean?”, we thought we would explore how solar panels use this technology to power your home. Each solar cell on your panel is made from materials that are photovoltaic, working to convert sunlight into electrical energy.
Each of these cells is able to produce up to 2 watts of power, and when connected to a larger module or panel, this ensures it can generate enough energy to power your property. Due to their modular structure, these cells can be created to meet any electricity demand, no matter how big or small.
This energy is in the form of Direct Current, so before it can be used in the home, it needs to be converted into Alternating Current, which is why a solar system must have a converter to be effective.
Ready to discover the benefits of solar energy?
If you are asking, “what does photovoltaic mean?” and now want to find out how your home can benefit from solar energy, Solar Power NI is here to help you. First established in 2010, we have worked with hundreds of domestic and commercial customers across Northern Ireland, allowing them to reduce their dependence on traditional electricity.
With a wealth of experience and knowledge, our team is ready to showcase the many positives that come from solar energy. Want to find out more? Get in touch today!
