What does "photovoltaic" mean?

The word "photovoltaic" refers to the conversion of sunlight into electricity. The prefix Photo comes from the Greek phos which means light. Volt comes from the surname of Alessandro Volta (1745-1827), the physicist who contributed to research on electricity. Literally, photovoltaïque means electric light.

What is a solar cell?

By definition, a solar cell or photovoltaic cell converts solar energy into electrical energy. It is made from materials called semiconductors that are capable of conducting electricity or transporting it.

What is a solar module?

A solar module is a set or a series of solar cells connected together and housed in a protective envelope.

What is a solar panel?

A solar panel is a set of solar modules connected together and placed on a support structure, and is an individual current generator.

What is a peak Watt (Wp)?

The Watt peak defines the photovoltaic power of a module at a temperature of 25°C under a solar radiation of 1 kW/m² (sunlight received at noon on a surface perpendicular to the sun).
1 peak Watt delivers a peak electrical power of 1 Watt under 1kW/m² of sunshine.

What are the components of a solar electricity system?

The solar modules that convert sunlight into electricity.

The inverter, that converts the direct electrical current (DC) into alternating electrical current (AC).

The mounting structures that maintain the solar modules securely in place.

What are the main types of photovoltaic solar panels?

Monocrystalline solar panels are panels that have the highest conversion efficiencies. Their production cycle is very complex, so they are relatively expensive compared to their increase in productivity.
Amorphous solar panels have lower conversion efficiencies but are much more active in low light (cloudy, shade). They cost less but produce much less energy than crystalline modules.
Poly crystalline solar panels have the most attractive cost/productivity ratio. This is why a vast majority of installations today use this type of panel.

What is the productivity rate of a solar panel?

The productivity rate of a photovoltaic solar panel indicates the ratio between the power supplied and the power of the radiation received by a solar panel in accordance with its surface.

What is the difference between a solar thermal panel and a photovoltaic solar panel?

Solar thermal panels do not produce electricity, but capture the sun's energy in order to produce heat from hot water and for hot water tanks.

What is the annual productivity rate of a solar photovoltaic system?

The productivity of a solar photovoltaic system depends on several factors:
- the orientation of the roof or the solar system
- the inclination of the installation
- the presence or absence of shadows
- local values of sunlight
- weather conditions

Will a solar electric system works in cold weather?

Surprisingly, electricity production is enhanced in cold weather. Contrary to what one might think, a photovoltaic system produces more power at low temperatures, all things being equal.

Do photovoltaic panels resist hail, thunderstorms and lightning?
Les panneaux photovoltaïques sont très bien protégés contre la grêle. Le verre spécial utilisé, est un verre trempé. Concernant les orages, il faut savoir que les panneaux solaires n’attirent pas la foudre.

What is the impact of clouds on the performance of a photovoltaic solar panel?
It is not necessary that the sun be visible for a photovoltaic solar panel to work. The diffused radiation from clouds is also used to produce solar electricity. The performance of the panel is proportional to the perceived outdoor brightness.

Are photovoltaic solar panels recyclable?
Photovoltaic solar panels can be recuperated by specialist manufacturers because they are recyclable. When these are at their end-of-life, the materials, for example, can be used for the production of new solar panels. The panels will be melted to separate out the different components. Silicon cells can be reused in new photovoltaic modules after purification.