Solar panels are becoming increasingly common, appearing on homes, offices, and even large open fields.
But how do solar panels work? How do they transform sunlight into electricity that powers our daily lives?

At the core of solar panel technology is the photovoltaic effect.
This process occurs when certain materials generate an electric current when exposed to sunlight.
The primary material used in solar cells is silicon, a semiconductor known for its ability to conduct electricity under the right conditions.

The Science Behind Solar Panels

Solar panels are made up of photovoltaic (PV) cells, which are responsible for converting sunlight into electricity.
These cells contain layers of silicon and other materials designed to create an electric field.

• The top layer of a solar cell is treated to have a negative charge.
• The bottom layer is treated to have a positive charge.

 When sunlight strikes the solar panel, the energy from the light excites the electrons in the silicon.
This causes the electrons to move toward the positively charged layer, generating an electric current.
This flow of electricity is what we use to power appliances and devices.