Working of Solar Cell
When the light energy falls on a solar panel, then the solar panel absorbs the light energy. Each solar cell in solar panel has an semiconductor which has the properties like insulator and metal. When the energy of sun falls on the panel then a semiconductor material on the panel absorbs, the energy of photons transfers to electrons and allows the flow of electrons through the material like an electric current.
When the sunlight reaches the p-n junction, between the p and n-type semiconductors, photons easily enter through a thin p-type layer. The photons provide energy to the p-n junction, creating electron-hole pairs. This light disrupts the thermal equilibrium condition of the junction, then the free electrons to move to the n-type side of the junction. The holes move to the junction’s p-type side in a similar pattern. As a result, free electrons on the n-type side fail to move past the junction due to a potential barrier. The same barrier potential of the junction blocks the newly created holes, which causes an increased concentration of electrons on one side (at the n-type junction) and holes on the other side. This is the process involved in working of a solar cell.
Solar Cell
A Solar Cell is a device that converts light energy into electrical energy using the photovoltaic effect. A solar cell is also known as a photovoltaic cell(PV cell). A solar cell is made up of two types of semiconductors, one is called the p-type silicon layer and the n-type silicon layer. So Solar cell is a p-n junction diode.
The solar energy from the sun in the form of photons creates loose electrons on the n-type semiconductor and holes on the p-type semiconductor. These loose electrons are collected on the aluminum layer and start flowing thus resulting in an electric current.
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