Questions and answers

What is solar or photovoltaic (PV) electricity?

When certain semi-conducting materials, such as specific kinds of silicon, are exposed to sunlight, they release small amounts of electricity. This process is known as the photoelectric effect. The photoelectric effective is the emission of electrons from the surface of a metal in response to light. This basic physical process converts sunlight to electricity via a solar-electric or PV cell.

What are the PV system components?

A PV system is made up of PV modules (groups of PV cells) — commonly called PV panels; an inverter for a utility grid-connected system when alternating current (AC) rather than direct current (DC); wiring; and mounting hardware or framework

How long do PV systems last?

A PV system that is properly designed, installed and maintained operates for more than 20 years. The basic PV module (interconnected, enclosed panel of PV cells) has no moving parts and can last more than 30 years.

How much electricity does a PV system generate?

A typical, properly installed PV system rated at 2 kilowatts produces around 2,450 kilowatt-hours a year in Wisconsin.