There is a direct conversion of light energy to electrical current in a solar cell.
When sunlight is present, light energy creates positive and negative charged particles which are then separated in the two layers of treated silicon in the solar cell, a structure to trap particles when it is in darkness. In other words, when the sunlight hits the cell, the particles move apart from one another.
This movement creates a voltage that generates an electrical current when the cell is part of a complete circuit. Current will then flow if the separate charged ends of the cells with a conductive material is connected.(as shown in the diagram)
Bibliography
1. Interactive Learning Centre. (1997). Some semiconductor physics. [On-Line]. Available: http://www.soton.ac.uk/~solar/intro/tech2.htm (June 1, 2008)
2. (1998). How is solar power generated. Illustrated Encyclopedia of Science and Nature, Energy and Physics. Time Life Asia.
Li Qi
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