Also known as solar panels, photovoltaic panels are used to harness energy from the sun and convert it into electrical energy, through a process called "the photoelectric effect". A photovoltaic panel is made up of many photovoltaic cells (also called solar cells), which are actually the ones responsible for converting light energy from the sun into electrical energy.

How does a photovoltaic cell work?

As aforementioned, a photovoltaic cell converts the sun's light energy into electrical energy through the photoelectric effect. Perhaps that sounds too technical, so let me explain.

A solar cell is made of a semiconductor material (silicon). When light energy from the sun strikes the surface of the semiconductor material, some of the light energy is absorbed into the semiconductor material and causes a displacement of electrons. This causes an electron gap in the atoms of the semiconductor material so that each atom attempts to draw an electron from its neighbor. The process results in a flow of electrons, and this is what is called an electric current. At this point, the photovoltaic cell has successfully converted the sun's light energy into electrical energy. This process continues indefinitely, as long as the cell is receiving enough light energy to displace electrons.

Many solar cells are connected electrically to form solar arrays while several solar arrays are connected electrically to form photovoltaic panels. And when connecting wires are attached to the photovoltaic panels [http://www.thesungate.com/about-sungate-energy-solutions], the solar energy can be used to power electrical appliances. However, the current produced by the solar power system is DC (direct current), meaning it can only be used to power appliances that run on DC.

In order to use solar energy to power appliances that run on alternating current, another device called an inverter is connected to the solar output. It simply converts the direct current into alternating current, which can then be used to power regular appliances that run on AC.

So have you ever thought about how much money you could save if you were to switch to solar energy? Probably the full amount you are spending right now on your cost of electricity. And, beyond that, you can sell any excess energy that your system generates back to your utility company. And did you know that there is nominal maintenance costs on your solar energy system? Just keep the panels clean, and give them plenty of sunlight. They won't grow form the sun light, but they will pay for themselves many times over.