When light strikes a PV cell (also known as a solar cell), it reflects, absorbs, or passes through the cell. Semiconductor material makes up a PV cell; this material conducts electricity better than an insulator but not as efficiently as a metal. Photovoltaic cells use various semiconductors, which is why people also call them semiconductor solar cells.
What is a Solar Cell?
A solar cell is an electrical device through which light energy gets converted into electrical energy, according to the definition provided. A solar cell is, in general, a p-n junction diode. Solar cells are forms of photoelectric cell & current voltage or resistance changes when exposed to light. Individual solar cells can be combined to form modules commonly known as panels. The common single junction silicon solar cell can generate a maximum open-circuit voltage of about 0.5 to 0.6 volts. Alone, this doesn’t seem like such a lot – but these solar cells are small, and once combined into a huge solar panel then one can generate considerable amounts of renewable energy.
Materials used
The structure of solar cells is somewhat similar to junction diodes; however, it differs slightly from conventional p-n junction diodes. Manufacturers create the active layer of a solar cell by growing a very thin layer of p-type semiconductor on a relatively thicker n-type semiconductor layer. They then apply a few finer electrodes to the top of the p-type semiconductor layer without obstructing the entry of light into the thin p-type material. A p-n junction lies directly beneath this p-type material. They also provide a current-collecting electrode at the bottom of the n-type layer. Thin glass encloses the entire assembly, protecting it against mechanical shock.
Working Mechanism
Capture of incoming sunlight: The solar effect starts with sunlight striking a photovoltaic cell. Semiconductor material forms solar cells, enabling interaction with the photon particles of sunlight. Incoming light energy knocks silicon electrons loose, causing them to flow together as a current.
Flow of electrons: Photovoltaic technology has two layers of silicon, and each of the layers is then treated (“doped”) to create an electric field. The electric field thus acts like a diode, allowing dislodged electrons to surge and flow through it, creating an electrical current.
Combined current: As the loose electrons generate an electrical current. The metal plates on the sides of each solar cell collect those electrons and transfer them to wires. At this point the wiring allows electrons to flow as current through a solar inverter and then into your home.
Semiconductor Solar cell has some hindrances; the technology is expected to develop and overcome those barriers. Because the new technology is advancing, the cost of solar plates, as well as the installation cost, would decrease so that every person is able to afford to install the system.
