Photovoltaic technology uses semiconductors to produce power based on the photoelectric effect.
If photons of light (either natural or artificial) with enough energy penetrate a photovoltaic cell, they can excite electrons to a higher energy state.
In fact, the electrons of a semiconductor that are not normally free, will become free and act just like they’re in a conducting material.
These free electrons can then be captured, resulting in an electric current that can be used to produce electricity. The more light gets absorbed, the more electricity will be produced by photovoltaics.
So by using the photovoltaic phenomenon, we can easily convert solar energy into electricity and use it as an alternative to traditional means of energy generation.
In the animation below, you can see how the process of photovoltaics can help power your household’s electricity needs.
