What are photovoltaic (PV) cells?

Photovoltaic (PV) cells, commonly known as solar cells, are the building blocks of solar panels that convert sunlight directly into electricity. Understanding the construction and working principles of PV cells is essential for appreciating how solar energy systems harness renewable energy.

How do solar photovoltaic cells work?

Solar photovoltaic cells or PV cells convert sunlight directly into DC electrical energy. The solar panel's performance is determined by the cell type and characteristics of the silicon used, with the two main types being monocrystalline and polycrystalline silicon.

How are solar photovoltaic cells made?

The vast majority of solar photovoltaic cells, or PV cells, are made using silicon crystalline wafers. The most efficient type of cell is monocrystalline, which is manufactured using the well-known Czochralski process.

How does a photovoltaic panel produce electricity?

In a photovoltaic panel, electrical energy is obtained by photovoltaic effect from elementary structures called photovoltaic cells; each cell is a PN-junction semiconductor diode constructed so that the junction is exposed to light and unpolarized.

How do solar panels work?

Solar panels are made of monocrystalline or polycrystalline silicon solar cells soldered together and sealed under an anti-reflective glass cover. The photovoltaic effect starts once light hits the solar cells and creates electricity. The five critical steps in making a solar panel are: 1. Building the solar cells

How are crystalline photovoltaic panels made?

Crystalline photovoltaic panels are made by gluing several solar cells (typically 1.5 W each) onto a plate, as can be seen in Figure 1, and connecting them in series and parallel until voltages of 12 V, 24 V or higher are obtained. They are capable of delivering powers of even several hundred watts. Figure 1: A monocrystalline photovoltaic panel.