Solar (Photovoltaic) cells

Photo of a solar-powered ticket parking meter in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Source: Wikipedia

Solar cells, or photovoltaic cells, convert light directly into electricity. Most pocket calculators and even some public telephones are powered by solar cells.

A photovoltaic cell is usually made up of two thin sheets of silicon that are separated from each other; one positively charged and one negatively charged.

When sunlight passes through the silicon sheets, photons - the particles that make up sunlight - fall on the shiny face of the cell. This releases free electrons that move between the plates resulting in the flow of electricity.

The great thing about solar cells is that they do not use turbines or other moving parts that can wear out. This therefore makes them very reliable.

As more photovoltaic cells are connected together in a series, the voltage of the electricity produced increases.

Solar energy panels combine many cells to generate the electrical energy required for homes or devices. People living in remote areas and sailors on yachts tend to use solar panels for electricity. Even satellites that orbit the earth use solar panels for electricity!