The Process of Photovoltaic Conversion
The process of photovoltaic conversion can be broken down into several steps:
- Absorption of light: Light hits the surface of the semiconductor material, exciting the valence electrons.
- Excitation of electrons: The excited valence electrons gain energy and move to a higher energy level, creating a flow of electrons.
- Separation of electrons and holes: The excited electrons and the energy they gain move away from the material, creating a flow of electrons and holes (positively charged gaps) in the material.
- Collection of electrons: The flow of electrons is collected at the surface of the material, creating an electrical current.
- Flow of electrons: The electrical current is then directed through an external circuit, where it can be used to power electrical devices.