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October 2020
Solar Venture 300W PV Array Operator and Maintenance Manual
PV cells convert sunlight into electrical power. All PV cells are made of materials called
semiconductors that absorb photons when sunlight strikes the PV cell. The absorbed photons
then knock electrons loose within the PV cells, allowing them to flow, which produces an electrical
current. PV cells contain one or more electric fields that force the direction of electron flow. Placing
metal contacts on the top and bottom of a PV cell harnesses this current so it can power external
appliances, much like a traditional power generator.
On their own, PV cells produce a limited amount of power, but when arranged and electrically
connected in a PV panel, the power generated is directly related to how much cumulative current and
voltage the PV cell arrangement is configured for. The panel’s total output voltage and current will
determine its “watt” rating.
The cell configuration of the Venture 300 Array generates up to 300 W of DC power for an application.
Figure 2. Solar Venture 300 W PV array with a small HPS
Theory of Operation