Chemistry behind solar panels

What is a solar cell made of?

A solar cell is made of two types of semiconductors, called p-type and n-type silicon. The p-type silicon is produced by adding atoms—such as boron or gallium—that have one less electron in their outer energy level than does silicon.

How do solar cells work?

Solar cells are made of a semiconductor material, usually silicon, that is treated to allow it to interact with the photons that make up sunlight. The incoming light energy causes electrons in the silicon to be knocked loose and begin flowing together in a current, eventually becoming the solar electricity you can use in your home. 2.

What makes up a solar panel?

Many cells linked together make up a solar panel. Each photovoltaic cell is basically a sandwich made up of two slices of semi-conducting material. According to the Proceedings National Graduate Conference 2012, photovoltaic cells are usually made of silicon — the same stuff used in microelectronics.

How do solar panels work?

This current, together with the cell's voltage (which is a result of its built-in electric field or fields), defines the power (or wattage) that the solar cell can produce. That's the basic process, but there's really much more to it. Next, let's take a deeper look into one example of a PV panel: the single-crystal silicon panel.

Why are solar cells made out of silicon?

Crystalline silicon cells are made of silicon atoms connected to one another to form a crystal lattice. This lattice provides an organized structure that makes conversion of light into electricity more efficient. Solar cells made out of silicon currently provide a combination of high efficiency, low cost, and long lifetime.

What causes holes in a solar cell?

The presence of these oppositely charged ions creates an internal electric field that prevents electrons in the n-type layer to fill holes in the p-type layer. When sunlight strikes a solar cell, electrons in the silicon are ejected, which results in the formation of “holes”—the vacancies left behind by the escaping electrons.