How do photovoltaic cells within solar panels convert solar energy into electrical energy?

Photovoltaic cells (also known as PV cells) are made from a special type of semiconductor material, such as silicon, which is able to convert sunlight directly into electrical energy. This process is known as the photovoltaic effect.

When sunlight strikes a PV cell, the energy from the photons in the sunlight is absorbed by the semiconductor material, causing the electrons in the material to become excited and break free from their atoms. This creates a flow of electrons, which is a current. By attaching metal contacts to the top and bottom of the cell, the current can be drawn off and used as electricity.

The PV cells are typically arranged in panels, which are then connected to form a solar array. When multiple panels are combined, they can produce enough electricity to power a home or even an entire city.

The efficiency of PV cells is constantly improving, which means that they are becoming more and more cost-effective as a source of renewable energy. As technology continues to improve, it is likely that solar energy will play an increasingly important role in meeting our energy needs in the future.