Photovoltaics, how does it work?

Photovoltaics Harness an Endless Resource: The Sun

Photovoltaics harness an inexhaustible resource: the sun. From capturing solar rays through the panels to injecting the energy into the grid, each step is crucial to converting solar energy into usable electricity. Discover how this technology transforms sunlight into electricity.

1. Solar Panels Capture the Sun’s Energy

The heart of a photovoltaic system consists of solar panels, which are made up of many photovoltaic cells. These cells are made from silicon, a semiconductor material that has the ability to capture sunlight.

When the sun’s rays strike the cells, they release electrons from the silicon, creating an electric current.

2. The Inverter Converts Direct Current to Alternating Current

The electricity generated by solar panels is in the form of direct current (DC). However, most electrical devices and power grids use alternating current (AC). This is where the inverter, an essential component of the photovoltaic system, comes into play.

The inverter converts the direct current produced by the panels into alternating current, so it can be used in your home or injected into the national power grid.

3. The Transformer Increases the Electric Voltage Before Sending it to the Delivery Point

Once the electricity is converted into alternating current by the inverter, it is often sent to a transformer. The role of the transformer is to raise the electric voltage, making it more efficient for long-distance transport.

This step is crucial if the electricity produced is being injected into the power grid, as too low a voltage would prevent efficient distribution.

4. The Delivery Point is the Interface Between Production and the Electricity Grid

The electricity produced by the photovoltaic panels (whether it is used directly by the consumer or injected into the grid) is then sent to a delivery point. This point is a key interface between electricity production and the grid. It is here that the energy generated is recorded and the amount of electricity delivered is measured.

This system ensures efficient and transparent management of energy production.

5. Electricity Distribution

The park is connected to the Enedis or RTE grid. Once the energy is measured and validated, the electricity produced by the photovoltaic system can be injected into the electrical grid, primarily managed by Enedis or RTE. These network operators ensure the distribution of electricity across the country.

When a photovoltaic park is connected to the grid, the electricity it produces is consumed as close as possible to the point of production, which helps reduce energy losses associated with long-distance transportation.