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Photovoltaic (PV) cells produce electricity from the sun’s energy. PV systems were first used to power satellites and other equipment in space, but are becoming more common as a terrestrial or earth-based renewable energy technology. Electric utilities across the country are beginning to invest in this clean, modular method of electricity generation. A PV cell is made from a semiconductor material similiar to those used for manufacturing computer chips. Sunlight is absorbed by this material and frees electrons from their atoms, which flow through an external circuit to generate electricity. PV is the most expensive of all of the currently available renewable energy technologies, but the cost to produce PV equipment has declined rapidly over the past 20 years.

Credit: Nick Waters

Credit: Nick Waters

Credit: Nick Waters

Credit: Nick Waters

Credit: Nick Waters

Credit: Nick Waters