0
Photovoltaic Cells: Converting Photons to ElectronsThe solar cells that you see on calculators andsatellites are photovoltaic cells or modules (modules are simply a group of cells electrically connected and packaged in one frame). Photovoltaic, as the word implies (photo = light, voltaic = electricity), convert sunlight directly into electricity. Once used almost exclusively in space, photovoltaics are used more and more in less exotic ways. They could even power your house. How do these devices work? Photovoltaic (PV) cells are made of special materials called semiconductors such as silicon, which is currently the most commonly used. Basically, when light strikes the cell, a certain portion of it is absorbed within the semiconductor material. This means that the energy of the absorbed light is transferred to the semiconductor. The energy knocks electrons loose, allowing them to flow freely. PV cells also all have one or more electric fields that act to force electrons freed by light absorption to flow in a certain direction. This flow of electrons is a current, and by placing metal contacts on the top and bottom of the PV cell, we can draw that current off to use externally. For example, the current can power a calculator. This current, together with the cell's voltage (which is a result of its built-in electric field or fields), defines the power (or wattage) that the solar cell can produce. That's the basic process, but there's really much more to it. Let's take a deeper look into one example of a PV cell: the single-crystal silicon cell.
Wiki User
∙ 16y ago
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoSolar photo-voltaic cells produce dc voltage and current. To be able to feed this to the normal ac mains it has to be converted to ac. The inverter is a piece of electrical equipment to do this. It is in effect a rectifier in reverse.This is available in d.c.
Wiki User
∙ 15y agoSee Wikipedia entry for 'Solar cell'
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
Does the area of a solar cell effect the voltage output?
It does :)
Can solar cells used in mobile phones?
No, cell phones draw too much power to be supplied by solar cells, unless you used a large solar panel. But you certainly can't build a solar cell into the back of the phone like you would a solar calculator. For example, one web source says a cell phone draws about 1 W. Another web source says solar panels can put out about 1.2 W for 100 cm2 in bright sunlight. So to power the cell phone you'd need a solar panel at least as large as a CD, probably more like a sheet of paper.
Is photo voltaic cell is an active transducer?
A photovoltaic cell is an active transducer. This is commonly referred to as a strain gauge or simply known as a solar panel.
Define Maximum power point tracking of solar cell under partial shading conditions?
in shading conditions also the solar raditions will reach the earth i think this will not effect the solar panels and also the mppt in shading conditions also the solar raditions will reach the earth i think this will not effect the solar panels and also the mppt
Why current will vary in a solar cell?
The current will of course vary with the intensity of the imparted light and with the temperature of the panel.
What is principle and working of bio fuel cell?
The bio fuel cell work on the principle of converting some chemical energy into electrical energy.
What exactly are load cells and what are they for?
A load cell is a transducer. It converts a force into an electrical signal. There are several types of transducers categorized on various attributes including working principle, construction and electrical properties.
What difference between photocell and solar cell?
A photocell is operated under an external bias which is reverse bias. A solar cell works on the same principle of photo voltaic effect as the photo cell except that no external bias is applied and the junction area is kept much larger for solar radiation to be incident. a solar cell does not draw current but supplies the same to the load
How do you make a solar cell on little alchemy?
metal + human = tool tool + sun = solar cell sun + solar cell = electricity
What does the solar cell do in space?
The function of solar cell is to convert the energy from the sun into electricity. This is commonly referred to as a photovoltaic cell.
What is a solar cell?
A solar cell is an electronic device that converts sunlight into electricity. An array of them is called a solar panel.
What is virchows principle?
every cell comes from a cell
What has the author Bernard Gonzales Carbajal written?
Bernard Gonzales Carbajal has written: 'High efficiency cell development' -- subject(s): Solar cells, Design and construction
Is a solar cell an energy source?
A solar cell is not an energy source, but an energy converter. In the case of solar, the energy source is light, and the solar cell converts it from light energy to electrical energy.
What is Organic Solar Cell?
It is a cell that coverts solar energy into electrical energy
How is chlorophyll like a solar cell?
It absorbs light just like a solar cell
What is the energy change of a solar cell?
I've found it out. It's; Light-->solar cell-->voltmeter.
