What Is the Photovoltaic Effect?

With the shift towards sustainable energy now a global imperative, terms once reserved for textbooks have infiltrated everyday discussions.  One such term is the "photovoltaic effect."  Photovoltaic is often shortened to PV — as in PV...

What Is a Silicon Wafer for Solar Cells?

Silicon isn’t the only semiconductive material used to make solar cells. But it is the most commonly used by far. Over 90% of solar panels sold today rely on silicon wafer-based cells. Silicon is also used in...

How Do Photovoltaic Cells Work?

Virtually everyone knows what a solar panel does. Far fewer people know how solar panels generate electricity. It’s not magic… But it’s pretty close. Photovoltaic (PV) cells are an essential component of all currently available solar panels and...

Do Solar Panels Work at Night?

Many people have misconceptions about how solar panels work. For example, solar energy systems that generate electricity rely on sunlight — not heat.  In fact, solar panels are actually less efficient in extremely high temperatures than...

Solar Panel Efficiency Explained

‘Efficient’ and ‘efficiency’ are such commonly used words that it can be easy to misunderstand their meaning when applied to specific resources and devices, such as fuel and solar panels.  Cambridge defines ‘efficient’ in two...

How Do Solar Panels Work?

Photovoltaic (PV) modules — like solar panels — are essential to any renewable energy system that generates electricity from sunlight. There are countless variations of PV modules like solar panels, roof tiles, and shingles, but...

10 Benefits of Solar Panels at Home 

Installing solar panels, also called photovoltaics, on your home or property has many great benefits. One is the huge savings on your utility bills, while another is reliable energy independent of the grid, so...

How Long Do Solar Panels Last

With the rising price of electricity in Australia and climate change on everyone’s minds, more and more people are turning to solar panels, also called photovoltaics or PVs, to generate affordable and sustainable energy.  Before...

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