☀️ Step 1: Light Comes In (Photons)

The Sun sends out light energy in tiny packets called photons. These photons travel through space and hit the surface of the solar panel.

🧱 Step 2: The Solar Panel’s Layers

A solar panel is made of many small cells called solar cells or photovoltaic (PV) cells.Each solar cell has two layers of a special material called silicon:

• The top layer is made with atoms that are missing electrons (called p-type).

• The bottom layer is made with extra free electrons (called n-type).

Between these layers is a p-n junction, like a border or barrier.

⚡ Step 3: The Photovoltaic Effect

When sunlight (photons) hits the solar cell:

• The photon gives energy to an electron in the silicon.

• This electron gets excited and jumps free from its atom.

• The freed electron leaves behind a "hole" (an empty space where it used to be).

Now we have:

• A free electron (negative)

• A hole (positive)

The built-in electric field at the p-n junction pushes the electrons to one side and holes to the other.This movement creates a flow of electric current.

🔋 Step 4: Collecting the Electricity

• Metal contacts on the top and bottom of the cell catch the moving electrons.

• Wires connect these contacts and form a circuit.

• The moving electrons in the wire = electric current.

• This current can now power a light, battery, or any device.

  
  

🔁 Step 5: Many Cells Make a Panel

• One cell gives only a little voltage (about 0.6 volts).

• So, many cells are connected together in a solar panel.

• Many panels together = solar array.

  
  

🧠 Summary: What Happens?

1. Sunlight (photons) hit the panel

2. Electrons in silicon get energy and move

3. The electric field pushes them into a wire

4. The movement creates electric current

5. Current is used to power things or charge batteries