Photovoltaic (PV)

Photovoltaics (PV) is the field of technology and research related to the application of solar cells for energy by converting sun energy (sunlight, including sun ultra violet radiation) directly into electricity.

The key components of a photovoltaic power system are the photovoltaic cells (also called solar cells) interconnected and encapsulated to form a photovoltaic module (the commercial product), the mounting structure for the module or array, the inverter (essential for grid-connected systems and required for many off-grid systems), the storage battery and charge controller (for off-grid systems only).

Source: IEA PVPS