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Basicaly in solar cells the photons are converted to electrons . The solar cells that you see on calculators and satellites are also called photovoltaic (PV) cells, which as the name implies (photo meaning "light" and voltaic meaning "electricity"), convert sunlight directly into electricity. A module is a group of cells connected electrically and packaged into a frame (more commonly known as a solar panel), which can then be grouped into larger solar arrays, like the one operating at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada.

Photovoltaic cells are made of special materials called semiconductors such as silicon, which is currently used most commonly. 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 field that acts 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 for external use, say, to 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. On the next page, let's take a deeper look into one example of a PV cell: the single-crystal silicon cell.

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Q: What technologies uses solar cells to produce electricity?
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Devices that use semiconductors to produce electricity from solar energy are?

Photovoltaic cells


How many silicon solar cells of 2 sqcm area are to be connected in a solar panel to produce 20v?

silicon solar cells of 2 sqcm produces 0.5V and power of 0.7W. So to get 20Volts 40 solar cells are to be connected in sieries.


What is the difference between a solar cell and a solar panel?

Solar cells and solar panels are two essential components of photovoltaic systems used to capture and convert sunlight into electricity. While they are interconnected and serve a common purpose, they have distinct characteristics and functions. Here are the key differences between solar cells and solar panels: Size and Output Solar Cell: Solar cells are relatively small and produce a limited amount of electrical power. They are typically square or rectangular in shape and have a size ranging from a few square centimeters to a few square inches. Solar Panel: Solar panels are much larger and can generate a significantly higher amount of electricity compared to individual solar cells. They consist of multiple solar cells wired together in a specific configuration. Function Solar Cell: The primary function of a solar cell is to directly convert sunlight into electricity. When exposed to sunlight, solar cells generate a direct current (DC) electrical output. Solar Panel: Solar panels serve as an array of interconnected solar cells. They collect the electrical output from individual solar cells and generate usable electrical power for various applications. Application Solar Cell: Solar cells are used in various electronic devices and small-scale applications where a compact and lightweight power source is required. Examples include calculators, watches, and portable chargers. Solar Panel: Solar panels are employed in larger-scale applications, such as residential and commercial solar power systems, solar farms, and grid-connected installations. They are capable of providing electricity to homes, businesses, and even entire communities. Electrical Characteristics Solar Cell: Individual solar cells typically have a voltage output in the range of 0.5 to 0.6 volts. They are low-power devices designed for integration into larger arrays. Solar Panel: Solar panels have a higher voltage output, usually in the range of 20 to 40 volts or more, depending on their size and configuration. This higher voltage is more suitable for delivering power over longer distances. In summary, while solar cells and solar panels share the common goal of converting sunlight into electricity, they differ in terms of size, output, function, application, and electrical characteristics. Solar cells are the fundamental units, and solar panels are the larger systems that combine multiple solar cells to generate substantial electrical power. Both play crucial roles in the world of solar energy and contribute to the advancement of sustainable power generation.


Where is radiant energy used?

Plant leaves for the production of sugar and cellulose. Animal skin for the production of vitamin D. Solar cells for the production of electricity.


How do you produce electricity living in mountains?

solar wind hydro are all possibilities if living in the mountains. Maybe solar is not the best but a wind turbine or water turbine would be possible. Depends on where you live and is water available is it windy etc

Related questions

What do fuel cells batteries and solar cells have in common?

They all produce static electricity.


Do solar cells produce electricity with the assistance of a turbine?

No. Solar cells have no moving parts.


How are solar cells and batteries similar in function?

Solar cells and batteries are similar in that they both produce electricity.


How are solar cells and batteries similar functions?

Solar cells and batteries are similar in that they both produce electricity.


Devices that use semiconductors to produce electricity from solar energy are?

Photovoltaic cells


What are devices that use semiconductors to produce electricity from solar energy?

Photovoltaic cells


Does the thermal cell produces electricity directly from sunlight?

No it doesn't, solar cells produce electricity directly from sunlight.


How are photovoltaic solar cells environmentally friendly products?

Photovoltaic solar cells produce electricity using solar power. Since their energy comes from the sun, they do not produce any pollution. This makes them environmentally friendly.


How do solar panel produce electricity?

The solar panels produce electricity by the sunlight.


Are there parts in a solar panel?

The only thing that lies with in the casing of the solar panels are the photovoltic cells which are used to produce the electricity.


Why are solar cells used as a power source in satellites?

Solar panels must be constantly exposed to light to produce electricity


Can you produce electricity even without magnetism?

yes we can produce electricity without magnetism by using semiconductor for example photo diode is used in solar cells.