Answer to Question #162974 in Physics for Ajay

Question

Explain with the help of a diagram, the operation of a photovoltaic solar cell.

Answer 1

1. Solar cell works on the principle of photovoltaic effect.
2. A solar cell, or photovoltaic cell, is an electrical device that converts the energy of light directly into electricity by the photovoltaic effect, which is a physical and chemical phenomenon. It is a form of photoelectric cell, defined as a device whose electrical characteristics, such as current, voltage, or resistance, vary when exposed to light. Solar cells are the building blocks of photovoltaic modules, otherwise known as solar panels.
3. Solar cells are described as being photovoltaic irrespective of whether the source is sunlight or an artificial light. They are used as a photo detector (for example infrared detectors), detecting light or other electromagnetic radiation near the visible range, or measuring light intensity.
4. The operation of a photovoltaic (PV) cell requires 3 basic attributes:
5. The absorption of light, generating either electron-hole pairs or excitons.
6. The separation of charge carriers of opposite types.
7. The separate extraction of those carriers to an external circuit.
8. In contrast, a solar thermal collector supplies heat by absorbing sunlight, for the purpose of either direct heating or indirect electrical power generation from heat. A "photo electrolytic cell" (photo electrochemical), on the other hand, refers either to a type of photovoltaic cell (like that developed by Edmond Becquerel and modern dye-sensitized solar cells), or to a device that splits water directly into hydrogen and oxygen using only solar illumination.