How Photovoltaic Cells Work?
Photovoltaic (PV) cells consist of two semi-conductor layers. One layer containing attracting positive charge, the other attracting negative charge.
Photons are those small particles of solar energy that are emitted by sunlight. Photons that are emitted by sunlight are then engrossed by the solar cells.
Once sufficient photons are attracted towards the negative layer of the photovoltaic cell, they transfer automatically to the positive layer. This happens because the manufacturing process of a positive layer is designed in such a manner.
The connection of these two layers to the external load results in the flow of current and production of electricity. Every single solar energy cell generates approximately 1-2 watts of power.
In order to improve the power output, cells are collected together in a weather-tight package called a solar module. These solar modules which vary from few to many are then wired in parallel direction or in serial to each other. This is called solar array. The purpose of this is to generate required voltage and maximum output needed.
Solar cells are not only environmental friendly but also cost effective because semi-conductor material that PV cells are mainly made of is silicon and silicon can be produced in great quantity naturally. Moreover, there is no maintenance cost because of zero usage of fuel or any other costly components.
