ABSTRACT
Photovoltaic cells convert sunlight directly into electrical energy. The electricity they produce is DC (direct current) and can either be:
used directly as DC power;• converted to AC (alternating current) power; or• stored for later use.•
The basic element of a photovoltaic system is the solar cell that is made of a semiconductor material, typically silicon. There are no moving parts in a solar cell, its operation is environmentally benign and, if the device is correctly encapsulated against the environment, there is nothing that will wear out.
