Difference Between Photovoltaic Cells And Solar Panels

While a single photovoltaic cell is able to convert sunlight into electricity on its own the panel is essential to combine and direct the energy output of numerous cells to your inverter and home.

Difference between photovoltaic cells and solar panels.

When it comes to dimensions 60 cell panels are usually built six cells wide and ten cells tall. 72 cell panels are also six cells wide but have an additional two rows of cells that make them a bit taller. Solar panels consist of smaller units which we also refer to as photovoltaic cells. The photovoltaic cells are the most important component in your solar panel.

These cells are made from compounds that produce electricity due to the photovoltaic effect. Unlike csp which uses the sun s energy pv solar panels make use of the sun s light instead. A solar pv panel works in a way that allows light particles or photons to heat electrons from atoms which in turn generates a flow of electrical power. Although used interchangeably on your solar pv system these two are entirely different.

The way this works is that the solar pv cells absorb light which will then knock electrons loose. Photovoltaic cells are the main component that makes up a solar panel while solar panels are a vital component that makes up a solar system. In this article we will take an in depth look at what is the difference between photovoltaic and solar panels. In other words photovoltaics is the direct conversion of light into electricity.

Many people don t know the difference between photovoltaic cells and solar panels.