Which component of a PV system is responsible for collecting solar energy?

The component of a photovoltaic (PV) system that is primarily responsible for collecting solar energy is the array. A PV array is a configuration of multiple solar modules or panels that work together to increase the overall power output. Each module consists of individual solar cells that convert sunlight into electricity, but it is the array that coordinates and maximizes the collection of solar energy over a broader surface area.

In more detail, the array's design allows it to face the sun effectively, capturing as much sunlight as possible throughout the day. The individual solar panels, while essential, contribute to the larger array's function but do not independently collect energy on the scale that the array does as a whole.

The other components mentioned, like the inverter, convert the direct current (DC) electricity generated by the modules into alternating current (AC) for use in homes and businesses, while cells are the basic building blocks of the solar modules, converting sunlight into electrical energy at a smaller scale. However, when we talk about the collection of solar energy on a system level, the array is the most accurate answer.