As mentioned before, the photovoltaic effect is the principle behind PV technology. Explaining it in a simplified way, when the solar light strikes the material of the solar cell, a small voltage and electric current is generated. The current from one cell is then connected in series to other cells in order to increase the power output of the PV module. This effect happens in semiconductor materials such as silicon.
The image below shows a schematic of a typical p-n type PV cell. The cell is made of two different types of silicon, one doped to have negative charges and another to have positive charges. The front and back contacts, made of silver, are responsible for carrying the electrons generated on the upper part of the cell through the circuit (here represented by a light bulb) and returning it back to the cell.
The next topics explain how solar PV modules are made and other components necessary to optimize and control the power output of a complete PV installation.
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