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(PV) is a method of generating
electrical power by converting solar
radiation into direct current
electricity using semiconductors that
exhibit the photovoltaic effect.
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› ëhe photovoltaic effect is the

creation of a voltage (or a corresponding
electric current) in a material upon
exposure to light.
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› Õolar cells are made of the same kinds of

semiconductor materials. For solar cells, a thin
semiconductor wafer is specially treated to form
an electric field, positive on one side and
negative on the other. When light energy strikes
the solar cell, electrons are knocked loose from
the atoms in the semiconductor material. If
electrical conductors are attached to the positive
and negative sides, forming an electrical circuit,
the electrons can be captured in the form of an
electric current -- that is, electricity.
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› Photovoltaic arrays are often associated with
buildings: either integrated into them, or
mounted on them .
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PV has traditionally been used for electric
power in space..
 


› Õolar power is pollution-free during use.[59]

› PV installations can operate for many years
with little maintenance or intervention after
their initial set-up .
› Õolar electric generation is economically
superior where grid connection or fuel
transport is difficult, costly or impossible
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› Photovoltaics are costly to install1]

› Õolar electricity is more expensive than most
other forms of small-scale alternative energy
production
› Õolar electricity is not produced at night and
is much reduced in cloudy conditions.