fotovoltailises

Photovoltaics, often abbreviated as PV, refers to the process of converting light energy directly into electrical energy through the photoelectric effect. This phenomenon is most commonly observed in semiconductor materials. When photons from sunlight strike a photovoltaic cell, they excite electrons within the semiconductor material, causing them to break free from their atoms.

This liberation of electrons creates an electrical current. A photovoltaic cell typically consists of at least two layers of semiconductor material, with different electrical properties. One layer is often treated to have an excess of electrons (n-type), while the other is treated to have a deficiency of electrons (p-type). When light strikes the junction between these two layers, the free electrons are compelled to move in a particular direction, creating a direct current (DC).

The most prevalent material used in photovoltaic cells is silicon. The efficiency of a photovoltaic cell, which is the ratio of electrical power produced to the incident solar power, depends on various factors including the material used, cell design, and environmental conditions. Photovoltaic technology is a key component of solar energy systems, enabling the generation of clean and renewable electricity for a wide range of applications, from small portable devices to large-scale solar power plants. The harvested DC electricity can then be used directly, stored in batteries, or converted to alternating current (AC) for use in standard electrical grids.