Is a method of generating electrical power by converting solar radiation into direct current electricity using semiconductors that exhibit the photovoltaic effect. Photovoltaic power generation employs solar panels comprising a number of cells containing a photovoltaic material

photovoltaic

The Photovoltaic Effect occurs when an electron present in the valence band of a material (usually semiconductor) switches to the conduction band due to absorption of a photon with enough energy incident on the material.

Solar cells produce direct current electricity from sun light, which can be used to power equipment or to recharge a battery. The first practical application of photovoltaics was to power orbiting satellites and other spacecraft, but today the majority of photovoltaic modules are used for grid connected power generation. In this case an inverter is required to convert the DC to AC

Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) are increasingly incorporated into new domestic and industrial buildings as a principal or ancillary source of electrical power.

A photovoltaic system is an electrical system that uses solar energy to produce electricity by the photovoltaic effect.

Photovoltaic systems are generally divided into two major groups: plants island, in English called "stand-alone", and related facilities to the existing distribution network operated by third parties, in this case we speak of systems "grid-connect".