Before you buy, know The Workings of the Photovoltaic Solar Cell

by Renee Rutledge

Breaking down the word photovoltaic, “photo” means light and “voltaic” means electricity. This is essentially what photovoltaic cells do – convert sunlight into electricity. These little energy building cells are built into solar devices such as modules, or series of solar cells configured in panels and attached to residential roofs. For peak voltage and current, modules can be interconnected in higher numbers, with more solar cells absorbing and converting solar energy.

A photovoltaic cell consists of a diode, made from a semiconductor. Silicon is still the most widely used for its high efficiency levels in comparison with other material, such as thin film. The semiconductor can transfer heat or electricity from its own material to the metal plates that border the solar cell.

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To begin the process, the semiconductor must absorb photons in sunlight. This absorption in turn releases electrons, which begin to flow through the semiconductor to create an electrical charge. The metal plates collect the current and transfer it to an inverter. Usable electricity is generated once the inverter changes the solar cell’s direct current into AC current for the home’s utility panel.

Silicon wafers, the most frequently used semiconductor in solar cells, has a pure crystalline structure. Silicon atoms are layered and electrons increase in number within their centers. Electrons in the interior are always moving outward to take the place of those in the outer layers. Doping silicon with N- and P-type cells results in a process where more electrons can escape so that electrical currents will be generated.

Research in alternatives to the silicon wafer has produced foil-based solar cells, polymer solar cells, nanocrystal solar cells and dye-sensitized solar cells.

Solar modules typically have protective glass covering to help absorb heat while keeping it from escaping. The glass also protects the semiconductor material of the solar cells. Solar cell output is measured in watts or kilowatts.

Renee is part of CalFinder’s new Resource for Solar Energy where the mission is to make solar installation readily available to homeowners throughout the United States.
Article Source: http://www.solarenergyarticles.com