A solar panel is a device that can convert solar energy into electrical energy. Its working principle is based on the photoelectric effect, which is a physical phenomenon of converting light energy into electrical energy. Solar panels are mainly composed of multiple solar cell units, each containing a semiconductor material, usually silicon or other materials.
When sunlight shines on solar panels, photons are absorbed by semiconductor materials and the energy they carry is released to electrons in the semiconductor. At this point, electrons excited by energy will transition from their original bandgap orbitals to the conduction band and form free electrons. These free electrons will move towards the electron concentrator in the solar panel, forming an electric current.
In solar panels, semiconductor materials with different positive and negative properties, such as p-type and n-type, are usually used to form PN junctions. The material in the p-type region is doped with a small amount of Akali metal. Under sunlight irradiation, Akali metal material will transfer electrons to the n-type material, forming an electric current. This PN junction achieves the function of converting light energy into electrical energy.
Solar panels have many advantages, on the one hand, they are pure and clean, without any post pollution; On the other hand, it has high long-term reliability and a service life of over 30 years. Moreover, the cost of solar panels has been continuously decreasing with the advancement of technology, and is currently approaching the price of fossil fuels.
The use of solar panels can not only provide people with clean and renewable energy, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, but also help us better protect the environment and achieve sustainable development.