Photovoltaic (PV) cells are devices that convert sunlight directly into electricity. They are made of semiconductor materials such as silicon, which absorb the energy from the sun’s rays and convert it into electricity. PV cells are the same as solar panels, which are made up of many PV cells connected together.
When sunlight hits the PV cell, electrons in the semiconductor material become energized and move around, creating an electric current. This current is then collected and sent to an inverter, which converts the direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC) that can be used in homes and businesses.
PV cells do not run out of electrons, as they are constantly being replenished by the sun’s energy. However, the efficiency of PV cells can decrease over time due to ageing and environmental factors.
You can make use of photovoltaics to make money by selling the electricity you generate back to the grid. This is known as net metering, and is becoming increasingly popular as more people look to reduce their energy bills and their carbon footprint.