What is the basic principle behind solar panels and their conversion of sunlight into electricity?

Solar panels are devices that convert sunlight into electricity. This conversion is made possible through the use of photovoltaic (PV) cells, which are made of semiconducting materials, such as silicon. When sunlight strikes these cells, it causes electrons to be knocked loose from the atoms within the material. These loose electrons can then be captured and channeled to create an electric current.

The basic structure of a solar panel is made up of multiple PV cells that are connected together and sandwiched between two layers of protective material, such as glass or plastic. When sunlight hits the panel, it is absorbed by the PV cells, which convert the energy into DC (direct current) electricity. This DC electricity is then sent to an inverter, which converts it into AC (alternating current) electricity that can be used to power homes and businesses.

The efficiency of a solar panel is determined by its ability to convert sunlight into electricity, and this is influenced by factors such as the type and quality of the semiconducting material used, the thickness of the PV cell, and the amount of sunlight that strikes the cell. Advances in solar technology have made it possible to produce highly efficient solar panels that can generate a significant amount of electricity from even small amounts of sunlight.