How is electricity produced from solar cells?

In summary, electricity is produced from solar cells through the use of the photovoltaic effect. When photons strike electrons in a material, they gain energy and are able to move towards a junction and into a different material. This process is driven by a potential difference, allowing the electrons to continue moving and producing electricity.
  • #1
avito009
184
4
Is electricity produced from solar cell because light has electric and magnetic fields?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Of course that's the reason but not in a direct sense. Solar cells use photovoltaic effect. When photons strike electrons in the valence band of a material, those electrons may gain enough energy to go to the conduction band, where they are free to move. Now they can move toward a junction and go into a different material. The whole thing is subject to a potential difference that causes the electrons to go into the second material and continue moving there and this is how light produces electricity in solar cells.
 

1. How do solar cells work?

Solar cells are made of a semiconductor material, typically silicon, that can absorb sunlight. When sunlight hits the solar cell, it knocks electrons loose from the atoms in the semiconductor material. These electrons then flow through the cell, creating an electrical current.

2. What happens to the electricity produced by solar cells?

The electricity produced by solar cells can be used to power devices or stored in a battery for later use. It can also be fed into the grid to supplement or replace traditional electricity sources.

3. How efficient are solar cells at converting sunlight into electricity?

The efficiency of solar cells varies depending on the type of cell and the conditions in which it operates. On average, solar cells have an efficiency of around 15-20%, meaning that they can convert 15-20% of the sunlight that hits them into electricity.

4. Do solar cells work on cloudy days?

Yes, solar cells can still produce electricity on cloudy days. While they are most efficient in direct sunlight, they can still generate electricity from diffuse light on cloudy days. However, their output will be lower compared to sunny days.

5. What are the environmental benefits of using solar cells?

Solar cells produce electricity without emitting any greenhouse gases, making them a clean and renewable energy source. They also do not require water for operation, unlike traditional power plants. By using solar cells, we can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and help mitigate climate change.

Similar threads

  • Electromagnetism
Replies
8
Views
831
  • Materials and Chemical Engineering
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
11
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
780
Replies
3
Views
801
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • Electrical Engineering
Replies
7
Views
281
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
810
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
Back
Top