What kind of current does a photovoltaic panel produce?

Photovoltaic panels, commonly known as solar panels, are designed to convert sunlight into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. The electricity generated by these panels is in the form of direct current (DC). This occurs because the solar cells within the panels generate a flow of electrons in a single direction when exposed to sunlight.

Direct current is characterized by the unidirectional flow of electric charge, which is exactly what occurs in photovoltaic systems. This DC power can then either be used directly to power DC devices, stored in batteries for later use, or converted to alternating current (AC) through an inverter for use in residential or commercial electrical systems, which is what most household appliances require. Understanding that photovoltaic panels deliver direct current is crucial for anyone working with solar energy systems, as it influences how the energy is stored or used.