How do Photovoltaic (PV) Cells function?
Photovoltaic cells are made primarily of silicon, the second most abundant element in the earth’s crust, and the same semiconductor material used for computers. When silicon is combined with one or more other materials, it exhibits unique electrical properties in the presence of sunlight. Electrons are excited by the light and move through the silicon. This is known as the photovoltaic effect and results in direct current (DC) electricity.
