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

Photovoltaic cells


What is the device that use semiconductors to produce electricity from solar energy?

The device that uses semiconductors to produce electricity from solar energy is called a solar cell, or photovoltaic (PV) cell. These cells convert sunlight directly into electricity through the photovoltaic effect, where semiconductor materials generate an electric current when exposed to light. Typically made from silicon, solar cells are the fundamental building blocks of solar panels used in various applications, from residential rooftops to large solar farms.


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.


How is renewable energy source is converted into electricity?

Renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydro, are converted into electricity through various technologies. For solar energy, photovoltaic cells convert sunlight directly into electricity. Wind energy is harnessed using turbines that convert the kinetic energy of wind into mechanical energy, which is then transformed into electrical energy. In hydroelectric power, flowing water turns turbines that generate electricity through a similar mechanical-to-electrical conversion process.


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

A solar panel is made up of a series of solar cells. The number of cells in any one panel is dependant on its size. So a cell is part of a panel, just like a living human cell is part of the human body.

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 the similarities and differences with solar cells solar tower and solar heating?

Solar cells, solar towers, and solar heating systems are all technologies that harness solar energy, but they differ in their applications and mechanisms. Solar cells convert sunlight directly into electricity, while solar heating systems use sunlight to heat water or air for domestic or industrial use. Solar towers concentrate sunlight to produce electricity through thermal processes. They all contribute to reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating climate change.


Which type of energy does not use a turbine to produce electricity?

solar


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 can we convert solar energy to other usable energy forms?

Solar energy can be converted into other usable forms such as electricity through photovoltaic cells, which directly convert sunlight into electricity. Solar thermal systems use the heat from the sun to generate electricity or to heat water for residential or industrial use. Both technologies harness solar energy to produce clean and sustainable energy alternatives.


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