PV technology converts sunlight directly into electricity. It works any time the sun is shining, but more electricity will be produced when the light is more intense (a sunny day) and is directly over the PV modules. The basic building block of PV technology is the solar cell. PV cells are wired together to produce a PV module. This is the smallest PV component sold commercially, and these modules range in power output from about 10 watts to 300 watts.
A PV array consists of one or more PV modules wired together. The array is connected to an inverter that converts the system’s direct-current (DC) electricity to alternating current (AC). AC power is compatible with the utility grid and able to power common household devices such as lights, appliances, computers, and televisions. Most PV modules will come with 20-25 year warranties, but often the warranties on other components (controllers, inverters) will be much shorter.
