--- description: "What is an Array Current: It is a type of current that a photovoltaic array generates when exposed to sunshine." title: What is an Array Current? - Energy Theory image: https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/MicrosoftTeams-image-2023-02-03T010411.114.jpg --- Close Menu - [About](https://energytheory.com/about-us/) - [EV](https://energytheory.com/category/electric-vehicles/) - [FAQs](https://energytheory.com/category/faqs/) - [Glossary](https://energytheory.com/category/glossary/) - [Green](https://energytheory.com/category/green/) - [Renewable](https://energytheory.com/category/renewable/) - [Sustainable](https://energytheory.com/category/sustainable/) - [Energy Economy](https://energytheory.com/category/energy-economy/) - [Energy Services](https://energytheory.com/category/energy-services/) - [Solar](https://energytheory.com/category/solar/) - [Sustainable](https://energytheory.com/category/sustainable/) - [News](https://energytheory.com/category/latest-news/) - Language [![Energy Theory](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2e3rtgthghnm.png)](https://energytheory.com/ "Energy Theory") ![en](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/en.svg) English ![es](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/es.svg) Spanish ![fr](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/fr.svg) French ![en](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/en.svg) English ![it](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/it.svg) Italian ![zh-CN](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/zh-CN.svg) Chinese (Simplified) ![nl](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/nl.svg) Dutch ![fi](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/fi.svg) Finnish ![de](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/de.svg) German ![hi](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/hi.svg) Hindi ![ja](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/ja.svg) Japanese ![pl](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/pl.svg) Polish ![pt](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/pt.svg) Portuguese ![ru](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/ru.svg) Russian [![Energy Theory](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2e3rtgthghnm.png)](https://energytheory.com/ "Energy Theory") ![en](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/en.svg) English ![es](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/es.svg) Spanish ![fr](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/fr.svg) French ![en](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/en.svg) English ![it](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/it.svg) Italian ![zh-CN](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/zh-CN.svg) Chinese (Simplified) ![nl](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/nl.svg) Dutch ![fi](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/fi.svg) Finnish ![de](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/de.svg) German ![hi](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/hi.svg) Hindi ![ja](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/ja.svg) Japanese ![pl](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/pl.svg) Polish ![pt](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/pt.svg) Portuguese ![ru](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/ru.svg) Russian [Glossary](https://energytheory.com/category/glossary/) # What is an Array Current? By [Elliot Clark](https://energytheory.com/author/elliot_clark/)November 17, 20232 Mins Read ![Jan23What is an Array Current?](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/MicrosoftTeams-image-2023-02-03T010411.114-1024x683.jpg "What is an Array Current?") An **array current** is current that a photovoltaic array generates when exposed to sunshine. The solar photovoltaic array, also known as a [solar array](https://energytheory.com/what-is-a-solar-array/), is a system made up of a set of solar panels connected together. If photovoltaic solar panels are composed of separate photovoltaic cells joined together, then photovoltaic solar panels are similarly constructed. As a result, a photovoltaic array is just **a collection of solar panels** that have been electrically connected to create a much bigger PV installation (PV system) called an array. Generally speaking, the larger it’s total surface area, the more solar electricity it will produce. ### **What is Purpose of a Photovoltaic Array?** A photovoltaic array serves as the** principal generator** of electrical power in a comprehensive photovoltaic system. One photovoltaic panel or module can only produce so much solar energy, which is insufficient for everyday use. A typical photovoltaic panel has an **output voltage of 12V or 24V**, depending on the manufacturer. The PV array will generate the required amount of power by joining numerous single PV panels in series (for a higher voltage requirement) and parallel (for a higher current requirement). Direct-current (DC) power is produced from solar energy using photovoltaic cells and panels. The connections between the PV cells in a single panel and the solar panels in a single photovoltaic array are identical. Electrical connections between panels in an array can be made in [series, parallel, or a combination](https://www.allaboutcircuits.com/textbook/direct-current/chpt-7/what-is-a-series-parallel-circuit/) of the three, but typically a series connection is selected to improve output voltage. For instance, when two solar panels are connected in series, the voltage of each panel doubles while the current does not. **Must Read:** [5 Methods of Solar Energy Harvesting](https://energytheory.com/5-methods-of-solar-energy-harvesting/) ### **What is Photovoltaic Array Size?** A photovoltaic array **can be as small as a few individual PV modules or panels** attached to each other and mounted on a rooftop in an urban setting, or it can be as large as hundreds of PV panels connected to each other in a field to power an entire town or neighborhood. A wide range of electrical needs, no matter how big or little can be satisfied by solar power systems thanks to the flexibility of the modular photovoltaic array (PV system). Share. [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fenergytheory.com%2Fwhat-is-an-array-current%2F "Share on Facebook") [Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fenergytheory.com%2Fwhat-is-an-array-current%2F&text=What%20is%20an%20Array%20Current%3F "Share on X (Twitter)") [Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fenergytheory.com%2Fwhat-is-an-array-current%2F&media=https%3A%2F%2Fenergytheory.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F02%2FMicrosoftTeams-image-2023-02-03T010411.114.jpg&description=What%20is%20an%20Array%20Current%3F "Share on Pinterest") [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fenergytheory.com%2Fwhat-is-an-array-current%2F "Share on LinkedIn") [Tumblr](https://www.tumblr.com/share/link?url=https%3A%2F%2Fenergytheory.com%2Fwhat-is-an-array-current%2F&name=What%20is%20an%20Array%20Current%3F "Share on Tumblr") [Telegram](https://t.me/share/url?url=https%3A%2F%2Fenergytheory.com%2Fwhat-is-an-array-current%2F&title=What%20is%20an%20Array%20Current%3F "Share on Telegram") [Email](mailto:?subject=What%20is%20an%20Array%20Current%3F&body=https%3A%2F%2Fenergytheory.com%2Fwhat-is-an-array-current%2F "Share via Email") ![mm](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Elliot1-150x150.jpg) [Elliot Clark](https://energytheory.com/author/elliot_clark/) Elliot is a passionate environmentalist and blogger who has dedicated his life to spreading awareness about conservation, green energy, and renewable energy. With a background in environmental science, he has a deep understanding of the issues facing our planet and is committed to educating others on how they can make a difference. #### Related Posts [![Post-consumer recycled (PCR) content](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Post-consumer-recycled-PCR-content.png "What is Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Content?")](https://energytheory.com/what-is-post-consumer-recycled-pcr-content/ "What is Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Content?") #### [What is Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Content?](https://energytheory.com/what-is-post-consumer-recycled-pcr-content/) April 9, 2024 [![Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF)](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Heating-Seasonal-Performance-Factor-HSPF.jpg "What is Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF)?")](https://energytheory.com/what-is-heating-seasonal-performance-factor-hspf/ "What is Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF)?") #### [What is Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF)?](https://energytheory.com/what-is-heating-seasonal-performance-factor-hspf/) February 3, 2024 [![What is Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/What-is-Annual-Fuel-Utilization-Efficiency-AFUE.jpg "What is Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)?")](https://energytheory.com/what-is-annual-fuel-utilization-efficiency-afue/ "What is Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)?") #### [What is Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)?](https://energytheory.com/what-is-annual-fuel-utilization-efficiency-afue/) February 2, 2024 Add A Comment Leave A Reply [Cancel Reply](https://energytheory.com/what-is-an-array-current/#respond) Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Submit Type above and press *Enter* to search. Press *Esc* to cancel. ```json {"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/what-is-an-array-current\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/what-is-an-array-current\/"},"author":{"name":"Elliot Clark","@id":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/#\/schema\/person\/4caf163303b45f12a7c92391d6f5f6f8"},"headline":"What is an Array Current?","datePublished":"2023-02-07T17:27:21+00:00","dateModified":"2023-11-17T13:46:13+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/what-is-an-array-current\/"},"wordCount":374,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/what-is-an-array-current\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/MicrosoftTeams-image-2023-02-03T010411.114.jpg","keywords":["Array","Array Current","Current","photovoltaic array"],"articleSection":["Glossary"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/energytheory.com\/what-is-an-array-current\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/what-is-an-array-current\/","url":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/what-is-an-array-current\/","name":"What is an Array Current? - Energy Theory","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/what-is-an-array-current\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/what-is-an-array-current\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/MicrosoftTeams-image-2023-02-03T010411.114.jpg","datePublished":"2023-02-07T17:27:21+00:00","dateModified":"2023-11-17T13:46:13+00:00","description":"What is an Array Current: It is a type of current that a photovoltaic array generates when exposed to sunshine.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/what-is-an-array-current\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/energytheory.com\/what-is-an-array-current\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/what-is-an-array-current\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/MicrosoftTeams-image-2023-02-03T010411.114.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/MicrosoftTeams-image-2023-02-03T010411.114.jpg","width":1200,"height":800,"caption":"Jan23What is an Array Current?"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/what-is-an-array-current\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Glossary","item":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/category\/glossary\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"What is an Array Current?"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/","name":"Energy Theory","description":"Conserve energy to preserve future","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/#organization","name":"Energy Theory","url":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/2e3rtgthghnm.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/2e3rtgthghnm.png","width":625,"height":57,"caption":"Energy Theory"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/energytheoryco"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/#\/schema\/person\/4caf163303b45f12a7c92391d6f5f6f8","name":"Elliot Clark","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/2befe4dfd736eb7f28f89d8d8699b5945842d7bbc4a9602ced1e5bdb095c0c09?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/2befe4dfd736eb7f28f89d8d8699b5945842d7bbc4a9602ced1e5bdb095c0c09?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/2befe4dfd736eb7f28f89d8d8699b5945842d7bbc4a9602ced1e5bdb095c0c09?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Elliot Clark"},"description":"Elliot is a passionate environmentalist and blogger who has dedicated his life to spreading awareness about conservation, green energy, and renewable energy. With a background in environmental science, he has a deep understanding of the issues facing our planet and is committed to educating others on how they can make a difference.","url":"https:\/\/energytheory.com\/author\/elliot_clark\/"}]} ```