Photovoltaic Cell Defined: A photovoltaic cell, also known as a solar cell, is defined as a device that converts light into electricity using the photovoltaic effect. Working Principle: The solar cell working principle involves converting light energy into electrical energy by separating light-induced charge carriers within a semiconductor.
Working Principle: The solar cell working principle involves converting light energy into electrical energy by separating light-induced charge carriers within a semiconductor. Role of Semiconductors: Semiconductors like silicon are crucial because their properties can be modified to create free electrons or holes that carry electric current.
Solar energy harnesses the power of the sun to generate electricity, relying on the fundamental principles of the photovoltaic effect. At the core of this process are solar panels, which contain photovoltaic cells typically made from silicon. These cells are designed to capture sunlight and convert it into electrical energy.
This phenomenon, known as the photovoltaic effect, is the backbone of solar energy technology. Each silicon cell in a solar panel is engineered to create an electric field, usually by combining two types of silicon: one with an excess of electrons (n-type) and one with a deficit (p-type).
Photovoltaic cells commonly known as solar panels, convert sunlight directly into electricity by utilizing the photoelectric effect. These cells are typically made of semiconductor materials, such as silicon, which release electrons when exposed to sunlight.
Photovoltaic cell is the basic unit of the system where the photovoltaic effect is utilised to produce electricity from light energy. Silicon is the most widely used semiconductor material for constructing the photovoltaic cell. The silicon atom has four valence electrons.