What Is a Photovoltaic Cell and How Does It Work?

Florida’s endless sunshine isn’t just beautiful—it’s powerful. At Blue Energy Electric, we believe every homeowner and business in the Sunshine State should understand how to harness that sunlight to save money and gain energy independence. It all starts with a small but mighty piece of technology: the photovoltaic (PV) cell.

Whether you're a homeowner in Martin County or managing a commercial property in Palm Beach, this guide explains how photovoltaic cells work and why they’re central to building a reliable, affordable solar energy system in Florida.

What Is a Photovoltaic Cell?

A photovoltaic cell (also known as a solar cell) is a specialized device that converts sunlight directly into electricity. These cells are the basic building blocks of solar panels. When sunlight hits the cell, it triggers a flow of electrical current—a clean, renewable power source that can energize your home or business.

Each solar panel contains multiple PV cells working together to generate usable energy. At Blue Energy Electric, we design systems that maximize the output of these cells based on your property’s size, sunlight exposure, and energy needs.

How Do PV Cells Convert Sunlight Into Electricity?

The science behind photovoltaic cells is fascinating—and surprisingly elegant:

1. Sunlight Hits the Cell

When sunlight (made of tiny energy packets called photons) strikes the PV cell, it penetrates a thin layer of semiconductor material—usually silicon.

2. Electrons Are Energized

The incoming photons excite electrons in the silicon, causing them to break free from their atoms. This creates an electric field within the cell that directs the movement of electrons.

3. Current Is Created

Freed electrons flow through the cell’s circuitry, creating a direct current (DC) of electricity.

4. Power Is Converted for Use

An inverter (a standard part of any solar system) then converts this DC electricity into alternating current (AC), the type of power used by your lights, appliances, and devices.

From sunlight to electricity—this is the photovoltaic effect in action.

Why Florida Is Ideal for Photovoltaic Technology

As a top solar installation company serving Palm Beach, St. Lucie, Martin, and Indian River Counties, Blue Energy Electric understands Florida’s energy landscape better than most. Here’s why PV systems are thriving here:

• Abundant Sunshine: Florida ranks among the top states for solar potential.

• Utility Savings: With rising utility rates, generating your own power saves money.

• Supportive Policies: State and federal solar incentives make going solar more affordable.

• High ROI: Florida’s sun exposure means quicker payback on your solar investment.

Why Battery Backup Matters in Hurricane-Prone Areas

Living in Florida means preparing for severe weather. That’s why many of our clients pair solar panels with battery backup storage.

While grid power often fails during storms or hurricanes, a PV system with battery storage keeps your lights on. During daylight, your panels generate power. Excess energy charges the battery. When the grid goes down, your system continues delivering electricity, even at night.

We help clients design storm-resilient energy systems that provide peace of mind year-round.

Maintaining Solar Panels in Florida’s Coastal Climate

Florida’s coastal counties—especially Indian River and St. Lucie—face unique challenges like salt air, high humidity, and debris from tropical storms. While photovoltaic cells are durable, your system benefits from routine maintenance, including:

• Professional panel cleaning

• Corrosion checks on wiring and mounts

• Performance diagnostics and inspections

• Repairs or reinstallation after roof work

Explore our Solar Maintenance and Repair and Solar Panel Cleaning services to keep your system at peak performance.

Residential vs. Commercial Solar: Same Cells, Different Approach

Whether you’re powering a single-family home or a commercial facility, photovoltaic cells are the foundation of your system—but the scale and strategy differ.

Feature	Residential Solar	Commercial Solar
System Size	5–15 kW average	30 kW+ typical
Design	Rooftop installations	Rooftop, ground mount, carports
Panel Type	60-cell modules	72+ cell modules
Goals	Energy savings, backup	Lower operating costs, sustainability goals

At Blue Energy Electric, we tailor each system to your property’s structure, energy profile, and goals. Whether you need a Residential Solar Panel system or Commercial Solar Panel installation, we’ve got you covered.

Current Florida Solar Incentives & Financing

Going solar in Florida is more affordable than ever, thanks to a mix of federal and state-level incentives:

• 30% Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC)

• No sales tax on solar equipment

• 100% property tax exemption on solar value increases

• Flexible financing: loans, PPAs, and leases to fit your budget

Our team stays up to date on all available programs to help you maximize your savings and ROI.

Why Choose Blue Energy Electric?

We’re not a national chain—we’re your neighbors. Founded by industry veterans David Scherich and Michael Kerr, Blue Energy Electric has installed over 2 million watts of solar in South Florida. Our mission is simple: Empower our customers to choose their energy source.

With us, you get:

• Custom solar solutions tailored to your property 

• Expert service in Palm Beach, St. Lucie, Martin & Indian River 

• Full-service support: from design to battery backup to maintenance 

• Affordable, scalable, and dependable energy systems

Let’s Design Your Solar Future

Understanding how photovoltaic cells work is the first step to taking control of your energy use. The next step? Partnering with the experts who live and work in your community.

Ready to cut your energy costs?Contact Blue Energy Electric today or call 772-232-6594 to get started.

Explore custom solar solutions tailored for your Florida property — schedule a free consultation with our team.