• Question: how do solar cells work

    Asked by 237curm25 to K on 3 Mar 2018. This question was also asked by 334curm25, billy W.
    • Photo: K Sasitharan

      K Sasitharan answered on 3 Mar 2018:

      The most important component in a solar cell is the Active Layer. You would know that every molecule consists of atoms and the atoms are made up of electrons, protons and neutrons. In a solar cell, the active layer is designed in such a way that when sunlight falls on it, it gets absorbed and the electrons are knocked out of the active layer.

      On both sides of the active layer, there are electrical contacts (electrodes), which would capture the knocked out electron, complete the circuit and produce electricity.

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