The Technology
Photovoltaics (PV) is the field of technology and research related to the practical application of photovoltaic cells (also known as solar cells) in producing electricity directly from light. Certain materials demonstrate a property known as the photoelectric effect, which causes them to generate an electrical current when light shines on them.
Simple light sensors make use of PV by containing solar cells which generate a small current when light shines on them to activate a motor or trip a switch elsewhere in a circuit. PV can also be used on a much larger scale to harness the energy of Solar Radiation by converting the light energy into electricity. Solar Panels are made up of interconnected solar cells, which generate a current when light shines on them, efficiently and cleanly generating electricity from the energy of the sun.
Images courtesy of Oregon D.O.T.