fotosähköisten

Fotosähköisten is the Finnish word for photovoltaic. It refers to the process of converting light energy directly into electrical energy through the photovoltaic effect. This effect is observed in semiconductor materials, most commonly silicon, which exhibit the ability to generate an electric current when exposed to sunlight or other forms of electromagnetic radiation.

The fundamental principle behind photovoltaic devices, such as solar cells, involves the absorption of photons by the semiconductor material. When a photon with sufficient energy strikes the semiconductor, it excites an electron, freeing it from its atomic bond and creating an electron-hole pair. An internal electric field within the semiconductor, created by doping, then separates these charge carriers, forcing the electrons to flow in one direction and the holes in the opposite direction. This directed flow of electrons constitutes an electric current.

Photovoltaic technology has seen significant advancements, making it a crucial component of renewable energy generation. Solar panels, composed of numerous interconnected solar cells, are widely deployed to harness solar power for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. The generated electricity can be used directly, stored in batteries, or fed into the electrical grid. The efficiency and cost-effectiveness of photovoltaic systems continue to improve, contributing to their growing global adoption as a sustainable energy solution.