How to solar cells work?

Solar cells convert solar energy into electricity. They perform the conversion without moving parts, pollution radiation on maintenance. Solar cells convert one form of energy into another with the special properties of semiconductor materials. The conversion process slows down or stops completely when a cloud passes in front of the sun or when the sun goes down in the evening. The process is resumed only when the sunlight returns.

The semiconductors in solar cells are made from silicone which has properties of both metal and an insulator. The silicon makes most of the solar cell but some boron atoms are present throughout the cell and a very thin layer of phosphorus-doped silicon is created at the front surface of the cell. The permanent dislodgment of electrons creates a fixed electrostatic field just under the front face of the solar cell. This inner electrostatic field makes the solar cell work. At the atomic level, light is collected from energy particles called photons that flow from the sun and hit the solar cell. As each photon hit the silicon atom, it ionizes the atom by transmitting its energy to an outer electron, allowing it to break free of the atom. The energy of the photon is transformed into electron movement energy called electric current.

click here to know more on diy solar panel