How solar cells work
Solar cells convert the energy in light into electricity.
Made from extremely pure silicon, solar cells are linked together in modules. When the sun shines on the silicon cell, a mild electric current is created between the front and backsides of the cell. Since the voltage is low (about 1 volt), a large number of cells must be linked in a series – just like linking a row of batteries.
1. Solar cells
Solar cells capture the sunlight, and convert the light energy into electricity. The charges are separated, forming an electric current that moves between the different poles.
2. Anti-reflection coating and silicon
An anti-reflection coating absorbs the sun’s rays. Silicon (the n-layer) has too many electrons.
3. Separating material
The material separating the two silicon layers sends the charges off in different directions.
4. Silicon
Silicon (the p-layer) has too few electrons.
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