How does a solar panel convert sunlight into electricity?

@janis.feest 

A solar panel contains multiple individual units called solar cells, which are made up of semiconductor materials, usually silicon. The process of converting sunlight into electricity in a solar panel can be explained in the following steps:

1. Sunlight absorption: When sunlight hits the solar panel, it is made up of tiny packets of energy called photons. The photons carry energy from the sun. The solar panel design aims to maximize the amount of sunlight it can capture.
2. Electron excitation: The photons of sunlight are absorbed by the solar cells. The photons' energy excites the electrons in the semiconductor material of the solar cells, causing them to break free from their atoms' outer orbits.
3. Electron movement: The free electrons move through the material, thanks to an electric field that exists within the solar cell. This electric field is created in the solar cell during its manufacturing process.
4. Electric current generation: The movement of free electrons creates a flow of electrons, i.e., electric current. Metal contacts present on the top and bottom of the solar cells collect this current and transfer it out of the solar panel, forming a circuit.
5. Direct current (DC) conversion: The electric current generated by the solar cells is in the form of direct current (DC). However, most household appliances and the electric grid use alternating current (AC). Therefore, an inverter is typically used to convert the DC electricity into AC electricity.
6. Utility or device connection: The converted AC electricity can then be used to power electrical devices directly or can be sent back to the electric grid for use by others through an electrical connection.

Overall, the process involves the absorption of sunlight, creation of electron flow, conversion to AC electricity, and subsequent utilization or distribution.

@janis.feest 

A solar panel converts sunlight into electricity through a phenomenon known as the photovoltaic effect. The solar panel comprises numerous individual solar cells, which are made up of semiconductors, typically silicon.

Here's a step-by-step explanation of the process:

1. Absorption: When sunlight hits the solar panel, it consists of energy particles called photons. These photons are absorbed by the solar cells.
2. Electron Excitation: The absorbed photons transfer their energy to the electrons present in the semiconductor material of the solar cell. This energy causes the electrons to become excited and break free from their atoms, leaving behind positively charged "holes."
3. Electric Field: The solar cell's semiconductor material is specifically designed to create an electric field within it. This electric field separates the excited electrons from the positively charged holes, driving the electrons towards the bottom of the cell and the holes towards the top.
4. Electrical Current: The separated electrons and holes create an imbalance of charges, generating a flow of electrons, i.e., an electric current. This flow occurs in the form of direct current (DC).
5. Electrical Output: The solar cells are interconnected, and their electric current is combined to provide the desired voltage and current levels. This output can be utilized for various applications or stored in batteries for later use.
6. Inverter: Since most household appliances and the power grid operate on alternating current (AC), the DC electrical output from the solar panel is converted into AC using an inverter. The inverter changes the current's direction and adjusts it to match the required voltage and frequency.

It's worth noting that solar panels are most efficient when they receive direct sunlight, at perpendicular angles, and without any obstructions or shading.