Solar Energy Explained in Fewer than 140 Words

Each particle of sunlight (called a photon) that reaches the Earth contains energy that fuels our planet. Solar power is harnessed and converted to usable energy using photovoltaics. Photovoltaics is the technology used to convert sunlight to electricity. Solar PV devices are made of small cells connected together and made out of semiconducting materials. These cells are very small, but when linked together, they become very efficient. When the sun shines on the cells, they begin to create electricity! The incoming light strikes the semiconductor material and knocks electrons loose, setting them in motion and generating an electric current that can be captured. This electricity can be used immediately, stored in a battery, or sent to the electric grid for credits.

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