Photovoltaics is used to describe the technique of converting solar energy directly into electrical power or electrical energy. This so-called photovoltaic effect, generated from light power, was discovered by Alexander Becquerel in 1839.

The term "photovoltaic" originates from the Ancient Greek word "phos", meaning light, and the SI unit for electrical voltage (volt).

When photons hit a solar cell, electrons are stimulated to migrate and an electrical direct current is produced between the side turned towards the light and the side turned away from the light. Electrical current flows as soon as the electrical circuit is closed.

An inverter is needed to transform this direct current into the alternating current more commonly used in grids in order to be able to feed this electricity into the national electricity grid.