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photovoltaic panel

photovoltaic panel

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Description (Brief)
Turning sunlight into electricity starts with panels like this one, used in the California Solar Initiative. The panel contains many small solar cells that absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity. Sunlight is not very powerful so each cell produces only a small amount of electricity. Connecting the cells inside the panel combines their output. Linking several panels supplies even more electricity. The more sunlight the panel receives, the more electricity it produces—so keeping panels clear of dirt or snow is a must.
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
photovoltaic panel
date made
ca 2008
Measurements
overall: 65 1/2 in x 39 in x 2 in; 166.37 cm x 99.06 cm x 5.08 cm
ID Number
2016.0342.01
accession number
2016.0342
catalog number
2016.0342.01
Credit Line
from Edison International, thru Adam Umanoff
See more items in
Work and Industry: Electricity
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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