By separating positive and negative charges along a semiconductor crystal, solar energy can be directly converted into electricity. The movement of electrons produces an electric field and causes a voltage.
The crystal wafers are bombarded by other elements like phosphorus and boron to stimulate their reaction to solar energy. This is called "doping" the cell.
The power provided by solar energy is (DC) direct current electricity. An inverter is used to convert the radiant energy to (AC) alternating current, our standard form of electricity.
A solar photovoltaic device is made up of building blocks called cells. These cells are arranged together in modules and those modules are arranged to form a solar array.
At a cost of about $25,000 dollars, 25 modules can produce 3 to 4 kilowatts of electricity.
Solar panels made from a single material are only effective in certain wavelengths of light. However, studies have found that certain alloys have the potential to convert the full light spectrum to useful electrical power.