SOLAR OR PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS (PHOTO = LIGHT, VOLTAIC = ENERGY) CONVERT THE SUN'S ENERGY DIRECTLY INTO ELECTRICITY. THE SOLAR CELLS ARE A GROUP OF CELLS ELECTRICALLY CONNECTED FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONVERTING SUNLIGHT INTO ELECTRICITY. (1)

SOLAR CELLS ARE MADE OF SEMI CONDUCTORS SUCH AS SILICON. WHEN LIGHT STRIKES THE CELL SOME OF THE SUN LIGHT IS ABSORDED BY THE SEMICONDUCTOR. HENCE THE ENERGY OF THE LIGHT IS TRANSFERRED TO THE SEMICONDUCTOR.THE ENERGY ALLOWS SOME OF THE ELECTRONS TO MOVE ABOUT FREELY. THESE FREELY MOVING ELECTRONS ARE CHANNELLED IN ONE DIRECTION BY THE SOLAR CELLS ELECTRIC FIELDS. THE FLOWING ELECTRONS IS A CURRENT. THE CURRENT IS TAPPED BY PLACING CONTACTS AT THE TOP AND BOTTOM OF THE SOLAR CELL.

(1) OHIO POWER, WINTER 2004, PUBLIC POWER NEWS.