solcellen

Solcellen, also known as a photovoltaic cell, is a semiconductor device that converts sunlight directly into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. This process involves photons from sunlight striking a semiconductor material, typically silicon, and exciting electrons, creating an electrical current. When photons with sufficient energy hit the semiconductor, they can dislodge electrons from their atoms. The internal structure of the solar cell, with its p-n junction, creates an electric field that directs these freed electrons to flow in one direction, generating direct current (DC) electricity.

Solar cells are the fundamental building blocks of solar panels, also called photovoltaic modules. Multiple solar cells are wired together in series and parallel to produce a higher voltage and current. These panels are then integrated into larger solar power systems designed to generate electricity for homes, businesses, and utility-scale power plants. The efficiency of a solar cell, which is the percentage of sunlight it converts into electricity, is a key performance metric and has been steadily improving over the years due to advancements in materials science and manufacturing processes. The widespread adoption of solar cells is driven by their role in renewable energy generation, contributing to reduced reliance on fossil fuels and mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions.