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Solar Cell

A solar cell, also known as a photovoltaic cell, is the name given to the solar energy capturing device that, when used en masse, make up solar panels. A solar cell works by absorbing sunlight and transforming it into electricity by way of the photovoltaic effect. Since its first creation, the solar cell has come a long way, and significant strides have been made in very recent years as solar technology has been given more development emphasis.

In the most basic terms, a solar cell works simply by absorbing sunlight.  The photons from the light run into the solar cell and are absorbed by a semiconducting material. Most solar cells today are made out of silicon—though other substances are being experimented with as alternative semiconductors that might make solar cells more cost effective and/or even more environmentally friendly.

After the solar cell absorbs the sun’s light, electrons are freed from their host atom, and they move freely as electricity. From the solar cell this electricity then passes through a larger array, where it is turned into direct current electricity, which may then later be converted to alternating current.

 

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