Cross section of a silicon solar cell. Light has the properties of a wave and a particle, and the photons (particle) collide with the material (wafer). When they collide , the electrons are shifted from their position and advance towards the electrode at the front.

URL: http://www.q-cells.com/en/solar_energy/how_does_a_solar_cell_work/index.html

WHEN LIGHT COLLIDES WITH A SUITABLE SEMICONDUCTOR, ELECTRONS ARE SET IN MOTION. ELECTRICITY BEGINS TO FLOW.

Light is has the properties of a wave and a particle. Einstein described light as a conglomeration of projectiles. If these projectiles, the photons, have sufficient energy and hit a free electron in a conductor or semiconductor, it is set in motion. Electricity begins to flow. It is removed from the top surface of a solar cell with silver contacts. Several cells are connected via these contacts to form a module. The electricity generated in this way can be used directly or fed into the power network.


 



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