Solar energy
Solar cells, also known as photovoltaic (PV) cells, work by converting sunlight into electricity. Here's a simplified breakdown of how they worked.
1.Photons and Silicon:
Solar cells are made of semiconductor materials, typically silicon. When sunlight (composed of photons) strikes the surface of the solar cell, the photons transfer their energy to the electrons in the silicon atoms.
2.Electron Excitation:
The energy from the photons causes electrons in the silicon to become "excited" and move from their normal positions in the atom. This knocks the electrons free, allowing them to move through the material.
3. Electric Field Creation:
A solar cell consists of two layers of silicon. One layer is doped with materials that give it a negative charge (n-type), while the other layer is doped to create a positive charge (p-type). This creates an electric field at the junction between these layers. When the electrons are knocked loose, this electric field directs them in a particular direction, creating an electric current.
4.Flow of Electricity:
Once the electrons are moving in a directed way, they can flow through an external circuit, creating a direct current (DC) of electricity. This electricity can then be used to power electrical devices or be stored in batteries.
5. Inverters:
In most systems, an inverter is used to convert the DC electricity generated by the solar cells into alternating current (AC), which is the form of electricity commonly used in homes and businesses.
Solar cells are highly scalable, meaning they can be combined into larger arrays to produce more electricity, from small applications like calculators to large solar power plants.
