What is the photovoltaic effect?

The photovoltaic effect refers specifically to the generation of voltage when light strikes a semiconductor material. This effect is the fundamental principle behind how solar cells operate. When photons from sunlight hit the semiconductor, they transfer their energy to electrons within the material. This added energy allows the electrons to break free from their atomic bonds, creating free carriers: electrons and holes. The movement of these charge carriers leads to the buildup of an electric potential across the semiconductor, resulting in voltage.

This process is crucial for converting solar energy into electrical energy, making it the cornerstone of solar panel technology. The photovoltaic effect exemplifies how light energy can be directly transformed into usable electrical energy, a concept that is foundational in renewable energy generation.