How do photovoltaic cells work?

Simply put, photovoltaic cells allow solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity. You've probably seen solar panels on rooftops all around your neighborhood, but do you know how they work to generate electricity?

How do solar panels create electricity?

But if you want to explore how solar panels create electricity a bit more, we'll explain what you should know. Solar cells are typically made from a material called silicon, which generates electricity through a process known as the photovoltaic effect.

How do solar panels work?

You're likely most familiar with PV, which is utilized in solar panels. When the sun shines onto a solar panel, energy from the sunlight is absorbed by the PV cells in the panel. This energy creates electrical charges that move in response to an internal electrical field in the cell, causing electricity to flow.

What is a solar cell?

A solar cell (also known as a photovoltaic cell or PV cell) is defined as an electrical device that converts light energy into electrical energy through the photovoltaic effect. A solar cell is basically a p-n junction diode.

How do solar cells work?

Here's how it works: Solar cells have two layers of silicon. Each one is specially treated, or "doped," with phosphorus and boron to create the positive and negative sides of the solar cell, respectively. When photons hit the solar cells, they create an electric field at the junction between the layers.

How does a cell generate electricity?

It generates electricity by using sunlight to make electrons hop across the junction between the different flavors of silicon: When sunlight shines on the cell, photons (light particles) bombard the upper surface. The photons (yellow blobs) carry their energy down through the cell.