answersLogoWhite

0

Photovoltaic cells are directly transforming solar energy to an electrical energy. Photovoltaic cells are usually used on places where it isn't possible using some other energy source, for instance on satellites, on road signs, etc. Additionally they're used for powering many of small consumers like pocket calculators.

Photovoltaic effect was discovered by French physicist Alexandre-Edmond Becquerel (1820-1891) in the year 1839. Photovoltaic cells are built out of two layers-positive and negative, and the difference of potentials between these two layers depends upon the intensity of the solar radiation. Solar energy is coming on Earth in the shape of photons. Photons once they fall on the solar cell's, are transferring all of their energy to the panel, making it possible for negatively charged electrons to burst out of the atom. These electrons after picking up the energy from photons have enough energy to move around and are moving towards other (negative) side of the panel and this is how the difference in potentials happens and electrical energy generates. Photovoltaic cells are made up from silicon and silicon is one of the most common elements on Earth. . Although a PV array produces power when exposed to sunlight, a number of other components are required to properly conduct, control, convert, distribute, and store the energy produced by the array. A typical silicon PV cell is composed of a thin wafer consisting of an ultra-thin layer of phosphorus-doped (N-type) silicon on top of a thicker layer of boron-doped (P-type) silicon. An electrical field is created near the top surface of the cell where these two materials are in contact, called the P-N junction. When sunlight strikes the surface of a PV cell, this electrical field provides momentum and direction to light-stimulated electrons, resulting in a flow of current when the solar cell is connected to an electrical load. Photovoltaic cell or the solar cell generate electromotive force as a result of absorption of ionization radiation.solar cells convert the solar radiation directly into electricity using photovoltaics effect without going through a thermal process.

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Physics

What do solar cells do?

Solar AKA photovoltaic cells turn (sun) light into electricity.


What does solar cells do?

Solar cells convert sunlight into electricity through a process called photovoltaic effect. When sunlight hits the cells, it creates an electric current by moving electrons within the material of the cell. This generated electricity can then be used to power various devices and systems.


How does a solar powered light work?

A solar powered light works by using a solar panel to collect sunlight and convert it into electricity. This electricity is then stored in a rechargeable battery to power the light source, usually an LED bulb, when needed. The light will automatically turn on at night using a light sensor that detects when it is dark.


How did the revolutions of the motor compare when the solar cell was held to an incandescent light source vs the sun as a light source?

The revolutions of the motor were likely lower when the solar cell was held to an incandescent light source compared to the sun as a light source. This is because incandescent light sources emit less intensity and different spectrum compared to sunlight, resulting in reduced power generation by the solar cell and, in turn, fewer revolutions of the motor.


What is one difference between using solar cell for electricity and using a windmill?

One difference is the source of energy they harness: solar cells capture sunlight and convert it directly into electricity, while windmills use wind energy to turn turbine blades and generate electricity. Additionally, wind energy can be less predictable than solar energy, depending on weather conditions.

Related Questions

What do solar cell do?

Solar AKA photovoltaic cells turn (sun) light into electricity.


What do solar cells do?

Solar AKA photovoltaic cells turn (sun) light into electricity.


What does solar cells do?

Solar cells convert sunlight into electricity through a process called photovoltaic effect. When sunlight hits the cells, it creates an electric current by moving electrons within the material of the cell. This generated electricity can then be used to power various devices and systems.


How does a solar powered light work?

A solar powered light works by using a solar panel to collect sunlight and convert it into electricity. This electricity is then stored in a rechargeable battery to power the light source, usually an LED bulb, when needed. The light will automatically turn on at night using a light sensor that detects when it is dark.


How do you capture solar energy?

Solar energy is captured in a flat metal plate or solar cells installed in your roof of your house.


What are solar cells used to turn sunlight into?

electricity


How did the revolutions of the motor compare when the solar cell was held to an incandescent light source vs the sun as a light source?

The revolutions of the motor were likely lower when the solar cell was held to an incandescent light source compared to the sun as a light source. This is because incandescent light sources emit less intensity and different spectrum compared to sunlight, resulting in reduced power generation by the solar cell and, in turn, fewer revolutions of the motor.


How do you save solar electricity?

You turn off the things that use it


Why do you say turn on the light?

You say "turn on the light" because that is what you do. Turning on a light means to flip the electric switch from "off" (where there is no electricity and the light is dark) to "on" (where there is electricity and the light is glowing).


How does light absorbing cloth work to enhance the performance of solar panels?

Light absorbing cloth, also known as a solar concentrator, works by capturing and directing sunlight onto the solar panels. This helps increase the amount of light that the panels receive, which in turn enhances their performance by generating more electricity.


How does the sun make electricity?

The sun light hits a solar panel which in turn works by allowing photons, or particles of light, to knock electrons free from atoms, generating a flow of electricity. Solar panels actually comprise many, smaller units called photovoltaic cells.


What is one difference between using solar cell for electricity and using a windmill?

One difference is the source of energy they harness: solar cells capture sunlight and convert it directly into electricity, while windmills use wind energy to turn turbine blades and generate electricity. Additionally, wind energy can be less predictable than solar energy, depending on weather conditions.