Conversion of Solar Energy to Electrical Energy by a Solar Cell

Solar cells, also known as photovoltaic cells, are devices that convert sunlight directly into electrical energy. The process involves the conversion of solar energy into electrical energy through the photovoltaic effect. Solar cells are made up of semiconductor material, usually silicon, which absorbs photons from sunlight and releases electrons, generating an electric current.

Explanation:

The correct answer to the question is option 'C' - Solar Energy. Here is an explanation of why solar energy is converted into electrical energy by a solar cell:

1. Solar Energy: Solar energy is the radiant energy emitted by the Sun, which is harnessed by solar cells to generate electricity. This energy is abundant and freely available, making it an attractive source for generating electricity.

2. Photovoltaic Effect: Solar cells work based on the principle of the photovoltaic effect. When sunlight hits the surface of a solar cell, it excites the electrons in the semiconductor material, causing them to break free from their atoms. This creates a flow of electrons, resulting in an electric current.

3. Conversion Process: The conversion of solar energy into electrical energy involves several steps:

- Absorption: The solar cell's semiconductor material, usually silicon, absorbs photons from sunlight. Silicon is chosen because it is a good semiconductor and is abundantly available.

- Creation of Electron-Hole Pairs: When the photons are absorbed, they transfer their energy to the electrons in the semiconductor material, causing them to break free from their atoms. This creates electron-hole pairs, where the electrons become negatively charged and the holes left behind become positively charged.

- Separation of Charges: The built-in electric field within the solar cell separates the electron-hole pairs, pushing the electrons towards the negative side of the cell and the holes towards the positive side. This separation creates a voltage potential across the cell.

- Electric Current: The separated charges are collected by metal contacts on the top and bottom of the solar cell. The electrons flow through an external circuit, creating an electric current, before recombining with the holes at the opposite contact.

- Electricity Generation: The electric current generated by the solar cell can be used to power various devices or stored in batteries for later use.

4. Advantages of Solar Energy Conversion: Solar energy conversion through solar cells offers several advantages:

- Renewable and Sustainable: Solar energy is an abundant and renewable source of energy, providing a sustainable solution for electricity generation.

- Environmentally Friendly: Solar energy is a clean and green source of energy as it does not produce any harmful emissions or pollution during its operation.

- Cost-effective: With advancements in technology and decreasing costs, solar energy has become increasingly cost-effective compared to traditional fossil fuels.

- Off-grid Power Generation: Solar cells allow for electricity generation in remote and off-grid areas where access to the power grid may be limited or non-existent.

In conclusion, solar cells convert solar energy into electrical energy through the photovoltaic effect. The absorption of photons from sunlight in the semiconductor material creates electron-hole pairs, which are separated by the built-in electric field, resulting in the generation of an electric current. Solar energy conversion offers numerous advantages, making it an attractive and sustainable option

The solar energy ie, the light from the sun is the converted into electricity. when sunlight hits the solar pv cell, it enough to move the electrons in the valance band of the silicon atom. thus the flow of electrons starts. It is called current flow. DC voltage is produced by the solar pv cells.