Photovoltaic (PV) cells produce electricity directly from sunlight. PV cells are also called solar cells, photovoltaic cells, photocells, or photoelectric cells.
When light strikes the junction between certain materials, a small voltage is produced. This is called a photovoltaic effect.
A typical PV cell contains two very thin layers of silicon with a wire attached to each layer. Each PV cell measures from 8 to 15 centimetres (3 - 6 inches) in diameter with the thickness of a human hair.
When very small bundles of light energy from the sun called Photons strike the cell, they cause electrons to flow from the bottom layer of the cell to the top layer.
Freed electrons are forced to flow through the wire, and any electrical load connected to it, towards the bottom layer producing an electric current. The current will continue as long as sunlight falls on the PV cell.
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Information and statistics excerpted from:
Photovoltaic Systems in Manitoba
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