Photovoltaic (PV) is a solar power technology that uses solar cells or to convert light from the sun directly into electricity.

Photovoltaic is best known as a method for generating solar power by using solar cells packaged in photovoltaic modules, often electrically connected in multiples as solar photovoltaic arrays to convert energy from the sun into electricity. To explain the photovoltaic solar panel more simply, photons from sunlight knock electrons into a higher state of energy, creating electricity.

Solar cells/modules produce direct current from light, which is then converted into AC by inverter which is used to power equipment or to recharge a battery. The first practical application of photovoltaic’s was to power orbiting satellites and other spacecraft and pocket calculators, but today the majority of photovoltaic modules are used for grid connected power generation.