The flow of electrons in a photovoltaic p-n junction

[engine16]

Hi,how is the movement of the electrons in photovoltaic?

I understand that there is n and p layer. What I do not understand is why the electrons does not move more directly to the p-side from the n-side. In the currect explanation it requires a circuitry.

Thanx.

 

[scottdave]

Try reading through this these presentation slides on solar cells.

https://web.statler.wvu.edu/~wu/mae493/3-solar-3.pdf

Also, you may find this thread helpful:

https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/how-do-solar-cells-generate-current-from-pn-junctions.920384