How does a solar cell generate electricity?

The sunlight is a group of photons having a finite amount of energy. For the generation of electricity by the cell, it must absorb the energy of the photon. The absorption depends on the energy of the photon and the band-gap energy of the solar semiconductor material and it is expressed in electron-volt (eV).

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 does solar work?

When light shines on a photovoltaic (PV) cell – also called a solar cell – that light may be reflected, absorbed, or pass right through the cell. The PV cell is composed of semiconductor material; the “semi” means that it can conduct electricity better than an insulator but not as well as a good conductor like a metal.

What is a solar photovoltaic cell?

A solar cell is a semiconductor device that can convert solar radiation into electricity. Its ability to convert sunlight into electricity without an intermediate conversion makes it unique to harness the available solar energy into useful electricity. That is why they are called Solar Photovoltaic cells. Fig. 1 shows a typical solar cell.

What factors govern the electricity generated by a solar cell?

Various factors govern the electricity generated by a solar cell such as; The intensity of the light: Higher sunlight falling on the cell, more is the electricity generated by the cell. Cell Area: By increasing the area of the cell, the generated current by the cell also increases.

What are photovoltaic cells & how do they work?

Photovoltaic (PV) cells, or solar cells, are semiconductor devices that convert solar energy directly into DC electric energy. In the 1950s, PV cells were initially used for space applications to power satellites, but in the 1970s, they began also to be used for terrestrial applications.