How does photovoltaic (PV) solar technology work?

Individual PV solar cells are coated with a semiconductor, such as silicon, so that when light strikes the cell, a portion of its energy is absorbed and transferred to electrons. This transference causes the electrons to move and creates a current. Metal contacts placed on the tops and bottoms of the cells allow the currents to be drawn off.

These individual PV cells are the basic building blocks that will be used in the Teanaway Solar Reserve. Thousands of them will be connected to make modules. The modules will, in turn, be combined to form arrays.

A well-maintained PV system can generate power for about 20 years. The cells can be recycled to create new panels.

Originally pioneered for use in space, PV technology powers virtually every satellite that is orbiting the Earth. It is also commonly used to generate energy for calculators, emergency road signs and call boxes. This same technology is directly transferable to homes.