How do a photovoltaic system convert sun rays to electric energy?

Question

i just want to know the exact process of the conversion..

Answer 1

both these answers are top

Answer 2

Photons hit the solar panel and are absorbed by semiconductors.

Electrons are then knocked loose from their atoms, allowing them to flow through the material to produce DC electricity which can be converted to AC by means of an inverter.

Answer 3

Photovoltaic (PV) cells are made of special materials called semiconductors such as silicon, which is currently the most commonly used. Basically, when light strikes the cell, a certain portion of it is absorbed within the semiconductor material. This means that the energy of the absorbed light is transferred to the semiconductor. The energy knocks electrons loose, allowing them to flow freely. PV cells also all have one or more electric fields that act to force electrons freed by light absorption to flow in a certain direction. This flow of electrons is a current, and by placing metal contacts on the top and bottom of the PV cell, we can draw that current off to use externally. For example, the current can power a calculator. 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.

Answer 4

As anyone who has seen my answers knows I'm a "retired Boeing engineer now living completely self-sufficient off the grid. I'm VERY fluent in everything solar, wind etc, but can't top the first 2 answers, they are spot on.

However if you'd like to read about it on your own i suggest you check out Photovoltaics: Design and Installation Manual by Solar Energy International. It's selling at amazon right now for $35 but you may be able to find it at half.com or somewhere elsee used for cheaper.

http://www.amazon.com/Photovoltaics-Desi...

It discusses a broad enough range of solar while covering enough theory specifics to make you understand.

Hope this helped, feel free to contact me personally if you have any questions,

Dan Martin

Retired Boeing Engineer now living 100% Off-the-Grid with my family, using Alternative Energy & loving every minute.

for more info visit www.agua-luna.com