PV Gap

Penny Said:

How do Solar Panels work?

We Answered:

They work on the Photovoltaic effect. A solar cell is made of silicon material with a p-n junction. When photons strike the cell some of them are absorbed into the silicon atoms, knocking loose electrons which create - (electron) and + (hole) charge pairs. This is the essential energy transfer that makes it work.

These charges accumulate on the n and p junction sides (electrons on n, holes on p). Metal electrodes are placed on the both the p and n surfaces to tap into the current produced.

Links below (lots more on the wiki link)