As per the University of Minnesota Duluth, the working of solar panels takes place as they allow the light particles or the photons to knock electrons free from the atoms and lead to the generation of flowing electricity. Certain comparatively small units known as photovoltaic cells are what the solar panel is composed of. Thus, implying that the conversion of sunlight takes place into electricity. Thus, it can be inferred that several cells together form a solar panel. Now, as we move forward, we shall learn in detail about other significant topics of chemistry such as solar cells and the working of a solar cell.
Solar Cell and Solar Panel
The solar cell is also popularly known as photovoltaic cells. One can understand solar cells are the ones that can directly convert light energy into electrical energy by the means of the photovoltaic effect.
One can arrange solar cells into huge groupings known as arrays. Further, when solar cells are in comparatively very small arrangements then they can be called solar cell panels. The other term for the same is solar panels. The installation of solar panels can be done by owners of a home on their top roof for replacing or augmenting their conventional supply of electricity.
It should be noted that solar cell panels are often used for providing electrical power in several remote terrestrial locations wherein the electrical sources of power are either not available or costly for installation. Now, as the basic concept regarding the solar cell is clear we can learn about the working of the solar cell. A solar cell can be described as a sort of a sandwich of silicon which is p-type, that is, red and silicon which is n-type, that is, blue. Further, there is the generation of electricity by the means of sunlight for making electrons hop between the diverse flavours of silicon across the junction. Firstly, as there is sunlight that is shining on the surface of the cell, a bombardment of photons takes place. Now, the energy is carried down by the photons and also gives up their energy to the electrons in the lower, p-type lower. In this process, then this energy is used by the electrons for jumping across the barrier into the n-type layer and escaping out the circuit. Lastly, as there is a flow of electrons around the circuit one can observe how the lamp gets lit.
Thus, with this one can gain knowledge about the basics of a solar cell.
Conclusion
As observed from the above discussion, it can be observed that diverse significant topics of chemistry such as solar cells, working of the solar cell, and solar panels have been discussed in a clear and comprehensive way. A solar cell plays a significant role in today’s world. In simple terms, a solar cell can be described as a device that has the ability to convert sunlight into electricity. Thus, it can be concluded that from the above sections the topics regarding solar cells, solar panels, and the working of a solar cell have become clear.