In this section

Structure of the International Space Station

Propulsion

Communication

Navigation

Power

Computer

Resupply

Escape

Research in the ISS

Power

All of the onboard systems of the ISS will need electrical power.
Eight large solar arrays will provide electrical power from the sun. Each array is 33m long and covers an area of approximately 2508 m², or about one acre. On each array are two blankets of solar cells. Each blanket is on one side of a telescoping mast that can extend and retract to fold or form the array.
The mast turns on a gimbal, so that it can keep the solar cells facing the sunlight.

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Photo Courtesy NASA