You’ve seen them on rooftops, in fields, along streets and you can see them more often across the countryside. But how do they turn sunshine into electricity? Simple! Through semiconductors. Of course, there’s more to it.
Understanding how solar cells work is the foundation of understanding how the solar system works. But before diving into the matter, you need to know that solar cells together make a module and when modules are connected, they make a solar system or installation. Which is a typical residential rooftop nowadays.
Down to business
Solar cells have a material that allows them to conduct electricity only when energy is provided, meaning the sunlight. This material is called semiconductor. When the semiconductor is exposed to sunlight, it starts to absorb the light, transforming it into negatively charged particles known as electrons. Then the electrons flow through the semiconductor as electrical current and go through the metal contacts before it travels to the inverter. Once it arrives at the inverter, it converts the direct current (DC) to an alternating current (AC), which flows into the electric grid and connects to the household’s electrical system.
To keep in mind
As long as the sun rays continue to reach the module and the circuit is connected, electricity will continue to be generated.
Source: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy