Understanding Solar Energy and Photovoltaic Cells

Study Notes

Convert sunlight into electrical energy through photovoltaic effect
Made from semiconducting materials like silicon
Consist of two types of materials: p-type and n-type
When sunlight hits the cell, it excites electrons, which flow through the material, creating an electric current
Efficiency ranges from 15% to 20%

Made up of multiple photovoltaic cells connected together
Mounted on a frame, usually with a protective glass or plastic cover
Can be classified into three types:
1. Monocrystalline Silicon (mono-Si) Panels: Most efficient, but most expensive
2. Polycrystalline Silicon (poly-Si) Panels: Less efficient, but less expensive
3. Thin-Film Solar Panels: Least efficient, but least expensive
Rated according to their power output in watts (W)
Efficiency ranges from 10% to 20%
Can be connected together to form a solar array, increasing power output
Inverters are used to convert DC power from the panels to AC power for homes and businesses

Photovoltaic cells convert sunlight into electrical energy through the photovoltaic effect.
They are made from semiconducting materials, specifically silicon.
The cells consist of two types of materials: p-type and n-type.
Sunlight excites electrons in the cells, causing them to flow through the material and create an electric current.
The efficiency of photovoltaic cells ranges from 15% to 20%.

Solar panels are composed of multiple photovoltaic cells connected together.
They are mounted on a frame, typically with a protective glass or plastic cover.
There are three types of solar panels:

Monocrystalline Silicon (mono-Si) Panels: Most efficient, but most expensive.
Polycrystalline Silicon (poly-Si) Panels: Less efficient, but less expensive.
Thin-Film Solar Panels: Least efficient, but least expensive.
Solar panels are rated according to their power output in watts (W).
The efficiency of solar panels ranges from 10% to 20%.
Connecting multiple solar panels forms a solar array, increasing power output.
Inverters are used to convert DC power from the panels to AC power for homes and businesses.