Solar Power - Environment
How it Works
How Solar Power Works
Typical residential solar power systems use roof-mounted photovoltaic (PV) modules to generate
the electricity needed for day-to-day living. By integrating these systems with the local power
grid, homeowners can automatically sell surplus electricity through the local grid or top up their
solar generated supply by purchasing additional electricity from their local provider as necessary.
This highly efficient system delivers a stable supply of electricity while ensuring that none of
the power generated goes to waste.
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| Off-grid System |
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Off-grid Large Type System |
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Off-grid Small Type System |
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Electricity from Sunlight
Just what does the word "photovoltaic" mean, and how do photovoltaics generate electricity from
sunlight? "Photo" means light, and "voltaic" means electricity, so putting the two together
simply means electricity from light.
The individual photovoltaic cells that comprise Mitsubishi Electric's PV modules
are made up of silicon semiconductors. When sunlight strikes the cell, some of it gets
absorbed into the silicon material. This solar energy frees electrons within the semiconductor.
Electric fields within the PV cell force the electrons to flow in specific directions, which creates a
current. N-type silicon carries a negative charge and P-type silicon carries a positive charge. Metal contacts
on the top and bottom of the PV cell allow the current to be drawn off for external use.
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