What is the chemical process that takes place in a solar panel?

Question

On a chemical level, how does a solar panel work? What are the chemicals inside it that react with one another, and how are the chemicals arranged and assembled with the other materials?

Specifically, I'm trying to determine if I could build a solar cell at home, even if it is very inefficient. Any information is appreciated.

Answer 1

Nothing chemical at all - solid state physics at the quantum level - photon of light knock electrons off silicon which are freed to form an electrical circuit that we can use as power.
Because nearly pure silicon is required, there is no way you can build one of these at home.
Heating solar panels are not chemical either - just physical.

Answer 2

An Israeli Professor recently generated 1500 watts of electricity, by reflecting, focusing and concetrating light onto a small sq of solar cell capable of genrating 1 watt.

One could set up a solar "Farm" with his "light" box in area in your yard the size of a 10x10 shed with $50 worth of solar cells. I'm sure the box might be thousands.

Answer 3

Listen to mike1942f, he is 100% right. See the first source.

If you want to make electricity from the Sun at home, you will have to limit yourself to using lenses or mirrors to concentrate sunlight on a boiler to power a steam engine to turn a generator. See the second source.

Or you might do something with the Seebeck effect. See the 3rd source.

Answer 4

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