Photovoltaics
These use the sun as an energy source; photovoltaics use solar cells to convert sunlight into electricity.
Which types of photovoltaic system are available?
Which types of solar storage are available?
How does a photovoltaic system work?
Constant replacement of electrons takes place between the different layers in the solar cell, which creates an electrical field. The photons contained in the sunlight meet this electrical field, release the electrons in it and so generate “free” charge carriers.
This produces a voltage and therefore usable electricity. The solar cell generates direct current but the current in the public power grid is alternating. An inverter therefore has to convert the direct current into alternating current. If a PV system generates more power than can be consumed immediately, the surplus is fed into the public grid or can be used later – in combination with storage or a battery.