Photovoltaic cells convert sunlight into electricity through semiconductors, typically made of silicon. As light enters the cell, the semiconductor absorbs it and the light energy knocks electrons free. Electrical fields force the freed electrons to move in a specified direction, creating an electrical current. The solar-powered device can then pull this current from the photovoltaic cell through metal contacts. Multiple cells joined together in a solar panel harness the electricity created by the semiconductors responding to sunlight.

1. HOW PHOTOVOLTAIC
CELLS WORK
By Garret Erskine

2. How Photovoltaic CellsWork, by Garret
Erskine
Photovoltaic cells, which some call solar cells, make solar energy possible. Many
people have seen these cells in action on solar-powered calculators. Photovoltaic
cells convert sunlight into electricity through semiconductors.The most common
are made of silicon. As light enters the cell, the semiconductor absorbs it.Within the
semiconductor, the light energy moves quickly, knocking electrons free. Electrical
fields imposed on the cells force the freed electrons to move in a specified direction.
As electrons begin to flow steadily, they create an electrical current.The solar-
powered device can then pull this current from the photovoltaic cell through metal
contacts placed at the top and bottom.The wattage produced by each cell depends
on the electric field imposed on it and the current created by the semiconductor. A
solar panel consists of many cells joined together to create harnessable electricity.

3. How Photovoltaic CellsWork, by Garret
Erskine
About the Author: Garret Erskine holds a United States patent for a skylight solar
reflective system called the SkyLiter, and previously worked for So-Luminaire
Daylighting Systems. He maintains a strong interest in solar energy technology.