Working of Photovoltaic Cell

The working principle of a photovoltaic (PV) cell involves the conversion of sunlight into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. Here’s how it works:

• Absorption of Sunlight: When sunlight (which consists of photons) strikes the surface of the PV cell, it penetrates into the semiconductor material (usually silicon) of the cell.

• Generation of Electron-Hole Pairs: The energy from the absorbed photons is transferred to electrons in the semiconductor material, allowing them to break free from their atomic bonds and create electron-hole pairs. Electrons are negatively charged and move freely, while the holes are positively charged.

• Separation of Charges: Due to the built-in electric field within the PV cell (created by the junction between different semiconductor layers), the newly generated electron-hole pairs are separated. Electrons are pushed towards the n-type (negative) side of the cell, while holes are pushed towards the p-type (positive) side.

• Flow of Electrons: The separated electrons are collected by metal contacts on the surface of the cell, forming an electric current. This current can be harnessed for external use.

• External Load: When an external electrical load (such as a light bulb or a battery) is connected to the PV cell, the flow of electrons through the load generates electrical power, which can be used to power various devices or stored in batteries for later use.

As long as sunlight is available, the photovoltaic cell continues to generate electricity through this process, providing a sustainable and renewable source of energy.

Photovoltaic Cell Working Principle

Working principle of Photovoltaic Cell is similar to that of a diode. In PV cell, when light whose energy(hv) is greater than the band gap of the semiconductor used, the light get trapped and used to produce current.

In the absorption layer of the cell, photons from sunlight provide electrons energy, which causes the electrons to break free from their atomic connections and form electron-hole pairs. These charge carriers separate more easily at the P-N junction due to the electric field there, which pushes holes toward the P-type region and electrons toward the N-type region.

When an external circuit is linked, the space separation between the two sides generates a voltage potential that causes electrons and holes to flow, producing an electric current.

Photovoltaic Cell is an electronic device that captures solar energy and transforms it into electrical energy. It is made up of a semiconductor layer that has been carefully processed to transform sun energy into electrical energy. The term “photovoltaic” originates from the combination of two words: “photo,” which comes from the Greek word “phos,” meaning light, and “voltaic,” which is derived from the name of Alessandro Volta, an Italian physicist who invented the voltaic pile, a forerunner of the electric battery.

Get a deep insight into Photovoltaic cells in this article, by learning its basics such as definition, characteristics, construction, working, and applications.