Energy 101: Solar PV

Department of Energy

This video, from the US Department of Energy, shows the basics of how a PV panel converts light radiated from the sun into usable power, whether on the electric grid or off, and without emissions or the use of fossil fuels.

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Notes from our reviewers

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For additional information and graphics, visit the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at: [http://www1.eere.energy.gov/solar/].
A very clear visual and verbal explanation of how a PV panel works. Discusses light as a photon. Comments from expert scientist: Scientific Strengths: - A good non-scientific introduction to the topic. Not much has changed since it was made, so still accurate. - The video is clear, interesting and has high production values Suggestions: - This resource ducks the hard-to-explain question of why the electrons flow in the direction they go to develop a voltage, instead of in both directions. - This resource was made before photovoltaics became and energy-significant (>1%) source of electricity in the U.S. and worldwide, so it is not actually optimistic enough about the potential.