Photovoltaic effect ppt

What is the photovoltaic effect?

The photovoltaic effect is a process that generates voltage or electric current in a photovoltaic cell when it is exposed to sunlight. It is this effect that makes solar panels useful, as it is how the cells within the panel convert sunlight to electrical energy. The photovoltaic effect was first discovered in 1839 by Edmond Becquerel.

Where does the photovoltaic effect occur?

The photovoltaic effect occurs in solar cells. These solar cells are composed of two different types of semiconductors - a p-type and an n-type - that are joined together to create a p-n junction. To read the background on what these semiconductors are and what the junction is, click here.

Who discovered the photovoltaic effect?

The photovoltaic effect was first discovered in 1839 by Edmond Becquerel. When doing experiments involving wet cells, he noted that the voltage of the cell increased when its silver plates were exposed to the sunlight. The photovoltaic effect occurs in solar cells.

What is a cell in a photovoltaic system?

The cell is a part of a “circuit” (Latin for ”go around”), where the same electrons just travel around the same path, getting energy from the sunlight and giving that energy to the load. Cell: The basic photovoltaic device that is the building block for PV modules. All modules contain cells.

How does a photovoltaic generator work?

Modules within arrays are similarly protected to form a photovoltaic generator that is designed to generate power at a certain current and a voltage which is a multiple of 12 V. Open circuit voltage Voc: When light hits a solar cell, it develops a voltage, analogous to the e.m.f. of a battery in a circuit.

What is a grid tied solar photovoltaic system?

Base definitions for grid tied solar photovoltaic systems: Solar Panels convert sunlight directly into electricity. The Inverter converts the solar electricity (DC) into household current (AC) that can be used to power loads in the house.