A photovoltaic cell, also known as a solar cell, converts light energy into electricity through a process called the photovoltaic effect. This occurs when photons from sunlight strike the surface of the cell and are absorbed by the semiconductor material inside.
The absorbed photons transfer their energy to the electrons in the material, causing them to become energized and break free from their atomic bonds. These freed electrons create an electric current as they flow through the material towards metal contacts on the cell, generating electricity.
This direct current (DC) electricity produced by the photovoltaic cell can be used to power electrical devices or stored in a battery for later use. Overall, the operation of a photovoltaic cell involves the conversion of light energy into electrical energy through the interaction of photons with semiconductor materials.
