How Does a Solar Cell Produce Electricity?
Solar Cell Composition Solar cells, also known as photovoltaic cells, are made of silicon that absorbs light from the sun. Photovoltaic cells are the basic unit of a solar cell. The cells range from under an inch to 4 inches in diameter. Each cell is capable of producing 1 to 2 watts of power. Though this is not enough to power most appliances, cells can be linked together in modules. Modules store cells in a weatherproof container. Depending on how much energy is needed, the modules can also be linked together to provide higher voltages. Solar power plants can contain a few thousand modules. Collect Light The sunlight that hits the photovoltaic cell is made of photons, or particles of light energy. When the photons hit the cell, some are reflected or go right through, but others are absorbed to provide energy. The cell is specially treated so that free electrons occur on the surface. When the photons are absorbed, they hit electrons in the silicon and move them out of place. When enou
