Photovoltaic Cells

• Photovoltaic cells are used to capture and convert solar energy into solar power. They specifically convert visible light into electricity. In most cases, photovoltaic cells are created by slicing a large crystal of silicon into thin sheets. The sheets are then layered for different properties, and wired together. A single cell can produce enough electricity to run a small electronic object like a calculator or watch.
  
  

Array or Module

• Because the holding capacity of a photovoltaic cell is so small, they are often linked to form a single framed unit called an array or module. An array is simply a group of photovoltaic cells wired together into a single body. The larger the module, the more energy it can produce. The array will capture energy as long as the sun is up. Solar energy can be captured even on a very cloudy day. The only time they do not work is at night.
  
  

Rechargeable Battery

• There are times during the day that more electricity is created than is being used. At night, however, energy is often used even though it is not being produced. To store the excess daytime energy for use at night, rechargeable batteries are often hooked to an array. These batteries are made are specially designed to be charged and discharged on a regular basis. Often, arrays that are hooked to a rechargeable battery are also hooked to a charge controller. The charge controller helps the array store its energy efficiently so that the energy can be used more completely, while protecting the battery from overcharge.
  
  

Power Inverter

• Most batteries will require a power inverter to convert the battery power to usable 110 current. 110 current is used by most household appliances. A power inverter is necessary to make the DC or direct current energy put out by the battery into AC or alternating current necessary for appliances to run safely.
  
  

System Configuration

• Each component in a solar power unit is equally important. The total system configuration, the way each element interacts with other elements, determines the efficiency of the solar power system as a whole. The energy lost from a poorly configured system can be as high as 25 percent.