A solar cell (or a "photovoltaic" cell) is a semiconductor device that converts photons from the sun (solar light) into electricity. In general a solar cell that includes both solar and non-solar sources of light (such as photons from incandescent bulbs) is termed a photovoltaic cell. Fundamentally, the device needs to fulfill only two functions: photogeneration of charge carriers (electrons and holes) in a light-absorbing material, and separation of the charge carriers to a conductive contact that will transmit the electricity. This conversion is called the photovoltaic effect, and the field of research related to solar cells is known as photovoltaics.
Also check this link, this is from NASA http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2002/solarcells.htm
2006-11-11 01:31:58
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answer #1
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answered by Upal 4
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process in which two dissimilar materials in close contact act as an electric cell when struck by light or other radiant energy.
Light striking such crystals as silicon or germanium, in which electrons are usually not free to move from atom to atom within the crystal, provides the energy needed to free some electrons from their bound condition. Free electrons cross the junction between two dissimilar crystals more easily in one direction than in the other, giving one side of the junction a negative charge and, therefore, a negative voltage with respect to the other side, just as one electrode of a battery has a negativevoltage with respect to the other. The photovoltaic battery can continue to provide voltage and current as long as light continues to fall on the two materials. This current can be used to measure the brightness of the incident light or as a source of power in an electrical circuit, as in the modern solar battery.
A solar battery is a combination of many individual photovoltaic cells. One composed of two different types of silicon crystals, when exposed to sunlight outside the Earth's atmosphere, can capture 14 percent of the incident energy and supply 170 watts per square metre (16 watts per square foot) of the contact area between the two materials. See also photoelectric effect.
phenomenon in which charge particles are released from a material whenit absorbs radiant energy. The photoelectric effect commonly is thoughtof as the ejection of electrons from the surface of a metal plate when light falls on it. In the broad sense, however, the phenomenon can take place when the radiant energy is in the region of visible or ultraviolet light, X rays, or gamma rays; when the material is a solid, liquid, or gas; and when the particles released are electrons or ions (charged atoms or molecules).
2006-11-11 04:43:51
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answer #2
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answered by scientian 2
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I see little or no interior the Bible to immediately handle any type of technologies. maximum issues could properly be used the two to extra the dominion or forestall it. Take the internet as an occasion. Or wine. There are the two useful and hazards. frequently, Christians are talked approximately as to be solid stewards (caretakers) of regardless of they are given, and that could contain the earth.
2016-12-17 08:18:28
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answer #3
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answered by vergie 4
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Also check out this website for more details
http://science.howstuffworks.com/solar-cell.htm
2006-11-11 03:42:32
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answer #4
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answered by rscanner 6
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