Solar Photovoltaic Technology Basics

What is photovoltaic (PV) technology and how does it work? PV materials and devices convert sunlight into electrical energy. A single PV device is known as a cell. An individual PV cell is usually small, typically producing about 1 or 2 watts of power. These cells are made of different semiconductor materials and are often less than the thickness of four human hairs. In order to withstand the outdoors for many years, cells are sandwiched between protective materials in a combination of glass and/or plastics.

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To boost the power output of PV cells, they are connected together in chains to form larger units known as modules or panels. Modules can be used individually, or several can be connected to form arrays. One or more arrays is then connected to the electrical grid as part of a complete PV system. Because of this modular structure, PV systems can be built to meet almost any electric power need, small or large.

PV modules and arrays are just one part of a PV system. Systems also include mounting structures that point panels toward the sun, along with the components that take the direct-current (DC) electricity produced by modules and convert it to the alternating-current (AC) electricity used to power all of the appliances in your home.

The largest PV systems in the country are located in California and produce power for utilities to distribute to their customers. The Solar Star PV power station produces 579 megawatts of electricity, while the Topaz Solar Farm and Desert Sunlight Solar Farm each produce 550 megawatts.

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Photovoltaic (PV) technologies ' more commonly known as solar panels ' generate power using devices that absorb energy from sunlight and convert it into electrical energy through semiconducting materials. These devices, known as solar cells, are then connected to form larger power-generating units known as modules or panels. Learn more about how PV works.

The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) supports PV research and development projects that drive down the costs of solar-generated electricity by improving efficiency and reliability. PV research projects at SETO work to maintain U.S. leadership in the field, with a strong record of impact over the past several decades. Approximately half the world's solar cell efficiency records, which are tracked by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, were supported by the DOE, mostly by SETO PV research. SETO is working toward a levelized cost of $0.02 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for utility-scale solar photovoltaics, $0.04 per kWh for commercial PV systems, and $0.05 per kWh for residential rooftop PV systems.

In September , DOE released the Solar Futures Study, a report that explores the role of solar energy in achieving these goals as part of a decarbonized U.S. electric grid. Learn more about SETO's goals.

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