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What Is a Solar PV Module, and How Does It Actually Work?

This close-up shot of a dark-framed solar PV module, with a Qcells label and detailed specifications, shows its mounting hardware on an asphalt shingle rooftop, with a sunny California neighborhood and hills in the background.

A solar PV module is more than a roof fixture. This guide breaks down how modules generate electricity, what efficiency and wattage numbers really mean, and how to compare options like Qcells before you sign a contract for your home.