What type of electricity is generated within solar photovoltaic panels?

Solar photovoltaic panels generate direct current (DC) electricity. This process occurs when sunlight hits the solar cells within the panels, causing a reaction that releases electrons. These free electrons flow in a single direction, creating a flow of electricity that is characterized as direct current.

In contrast to alternating current (AC), which changes direction periodically, or three-phase electricity, which is a type of AC used in industrial applications, the nature of the electrical output from a solar panel remains constant and unidirectional in its flow. Static electricity refers to a buildup of electrical charge and does not generate an electric current in the way solar panels do. Therefore, the correct answer emphasizes the fundamental aspect of how solar photovoltaic technology operates, producing a steady flow of direct current.