Solar panels use the photovoltaic effect to convert sunlight into electricity by exciting electrons in silicon or other semiconductor materials. The electricity generated can power homes, buildings, spacecraft, and more. Research on solar cells won Einstein the Nobel Prize and continued improvements aim to increase the contribution of solar power to global energy needs.

2.  Generates electricity
 Uses light/ photons
 Photovoltaic Effect
 Makes up solar panels
 Average output 17.2V, 60W (at 3.5 A)

3.  Similar to phototelctric effect
 But electrons are not actually emitted
 Raised to higher energy levels (excitation)
 Generates electricity
• Silicon makes bonds with 5 other silicon atoms
to form its crystal structure
• One can be replaced with boron (P-type)
• Or, one can be replaced with nitrogen (N-type)
• Boron gives an extra electron
• Multistructure cells

4.  Energy production
 To power things from houses and
buildings, to the Hubble
telescope, and Mars Rover.
 People who have their own solar
panels often produce a surplus of
electricity, and can sell it back to
the National Grid.

5.  Up to 4% of Britain's energy can be
produced by solar panels by 2020.
 The amount of solar energy that hits the
Earth in one hour can provide energy for the
world’s population for a year.
 Einstein's Nobel prize was for his work on
photovoltaics.

6.  Set up experiment
 Measure current and voltage for a range of
positive and negative values
 Conduct experiment in light and dark
 Power = IV
 Power supplied by solar cell is difference in
powers from two experiments