Solar photovoltaic cell

A solar photovoltaic cell is a device used for converting renewable solar energy into electricity. It is also called a solar cell and converts the solar renewable energy into electrical power directly. A solar photovoltaic cell is made up of alloys of silicon

When sunlight from the sun which is an alternative energy resource falls on solar cells, the electrons get excited and leave their positions. These electrons move towards the surface of the device and this movement creates an electron imbalance between the front and the back surfaces. When these surfaces are connected by wires an electric current passes between the negatively charged surface and the positively charged surface.

The photovoltaic cell or the solar cell converts the renewable solar energy into direct current which is used for small electronic equipments or for domestic purposes. If the electricity produced by solar cells has to be used for commercial purposes, the direct current needs to be converted to alternating current which can then be supplied for use in industries. The solar renewable energy in the form of electricity can be stored in alternative energy stores or batteries for future use. The solar cells are also used in some experimental cars. In these, the renewable solar energy is converted to electrical energy to run these cars.

Solar cells work well if the amount of sunlight received is more. Climatic conditions like fog, clouds etc. have an adverse affect on the working of solar cells because the amount of solar energy received is less.