Solar PV Cells
PV = Photovoltaic = Photo (Light) + Volt (Electric Potential)
Photovoltaic solar cells are made of layers of crystalline silicon, covered with a very hard, protective layer of non-reflective glass.
How Does a Solar Cell Generate Electricity?
- A solar cell is made up of two layers of silicon that are treated to let electricity flow through them when exposed to sunlight.
- One layer is positively charged, the other negatively charged.
- As photons enter the layers, they give up their energy to the atoms in the silicon in the form of electrons.
- When photons hit the layers of silicon, electrons pass through the junction between the positive and negative layers, generating electric current.