How Do Photovoltaic Cells Work?
Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at 05:02PM By Jed C Jones, Ph. D.
Photovoltaic cells are the energy sources behind solar panels. Photovoltaic cells work by converting light energy, or photons, into electricity that humans can use. Single photovoltaic cells do not produce much power, but strung together in arrays they can produce significant amounts of electricity.
These cells work by the act of photons (light energy) knocking electrons into a higher energetic state and producing electricity. Solar cells can be used to produce direct current (DC), which can power a direct current lights or charge batteries. However, they can also be connected to inverters that convert the DC to AC energy. AC energy is used by power grids to power cities and towns.





















