Photovoltaic systems convert sunlight directly into electricity. Commonly known as "solar cells," these systems already power more than 1 billion handheld calculators, as well as millions of watches, portable lights and battery chargers. Larger, more complex systems provide electricity to pump water, power communications equipment, light homes and operate appliances.

How do PVs work?

The heart of a PV system is a solid-state cell made of semiconductor material like that used in microelectronics. It's usually silicon, the basic ingredient in common beach sand.

The cell's semiconductor "wafer" is specially treated to form a positive electric field on one side and a negative field on the other, and electrical conductors are attached to both sides.

When sunlight strikes the cell, it knocks loose electrons, which are captured in the form of electric current.

Are you interested in talking to a qualified solar PV installer?  Go to GoSolarNC.org.

Are you interested in connecting your solar PV system to the Progress Energy electric grid?

How solar hot water works

View sample solar power production charts

You can expect varying power production from solar panels based on weather conditions.  For example, view production data for Progress Energy commercial customer Deltec Homes, Inc in Asheville, NC:

On a cloudy  day, you'll notice the jagged curve associated with cloud obstruction. On a sunny  day, you'll notice the smooth curve indicating full sun exposure. On any given month , the daily fluctuations are averaged together resulting in a more smooth curve. View real time and historical production data  for Deltec Homes, Inc.

Want to know more?

View more information about Progress Energy's balanced solution to meeting our customers' energy needs.

Click on the links below to learn more about Progress Energy's PV initiatives:

Florida

SunSmart Schools
Progress Energy Florida partners with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) to demonstrate photovoltaic (PV) systems at five schools throughout our service territory

Solar Energy Education Program
The Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) assists middle-school teachers in meeting and exceeding national and state learning standards through an understanding of solar energy

Manufactured Housing Photovoltaic Project
Our Manufactured Housing Photovoltaic Pilot Project (MHPV) combined the efficiency of a mass production housing operation and the latest innovation of photovoltaic technology

BP partnership
Progress Energy will partner with BP to monitor and evaluate the PV production from 17 gas stations

Nature Conservancy
The Nature Conservancy at the Disney Wilderness Preserve features two grid-connected photovoltaic systems

Carolinas

GoSolarNC
Progress Energy Carolinas partners with the  NC Solar Center to provide a database of qualified solar PV and solar water heating installers.  This program is part of the GoSolarNC  initiative.

Solar Water Heating Pilot Program
Progress Energy Carolinas has filed with the NC Utilities Commision to conduct a solar water heating pilot program in NC.  More details will be available once the commission renders a decision on the program.