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.
How Do Photovoltaic Cells Work?
Solar cells are composed of two types of semiconductors: N-Type (or negative) and P-Type (or positive). N-type semiconductors are made of a combination of silicon and phosphorous, while P-type semiconductors are made of a combination of silicon and boron. By layering the N-type and P-type semiconductors near to each other, the holes formed by the missing electrons in the N-type side "want" to be filled in by the holes formed by missing protons in the P-type side. In this way, an electric field is generated. This field pushes electrons to flow from the P side to the N side, causing current. This current only flows one way, which is why this mechanism is known as a diode.
How are Solar Cells Constructed?
Solar cells are constructed by layering different materials together. In general, the layers (from the outside, in) include:
1. cover glass
2. anti-reflective coating (so that the photons do not escape before doing their job)
3. contact grid
4. N-type semiconductor
5. P-type semicondcutor
6. back contact
This construction allows for maximum efficiency to produce the most power.
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