Go to Axpo Group's website

22.05.2018 | How electric energy is produced from sunlight

Solar System: How it works

Have you already asked yourself how a solar cell actually works? And how electricity is produced with these semiconductors, mostly made of silicon. Here are the answers.

A solar system consists of many individual solar cells, which are about as big as a palm. A single solar cell (with 0.5 V voltage) produces only a small amount of electricity. To use an MP3 player, you would need 7 such solar cells. Mostly 60 solar cells are combined in one plate. Such a plate is called solar module. A photovoltaic system on a rooftop consists of 10 to 100 such solar modules.

But more in the video:

lso the colleagues of the Axpo subsidiary CKW like it brief and clear. Here you can find their explanations in a simple way. (in German only).

And by the way: At CKW, there are also cracks when it comes to planning and installing solar panels. Here you can find information and a solar calculator, that enables you to simulate your first own solar project.

More articles for you

Show all

Renewable energy

Pradapunt hydropower plant - new construction project protects flora and fauna

Renewable electricity for around 10,000 households

Read more

Energy market

Electricity agreement: Switzerland’s full integration into the EU internal market

Successful conclusion of negotiations

Read more

Sustainability

Behind the Scenes of the Sustainability Report

Progress, challenges, and insights behind our latest Sustainability Report

Read more