How Does A Solar Cell Generate Power?

Solar Photovoltaic Cells

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. Solar cells connected together create a solar panel.

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.