How does a PV system work, and what are some present applications of such cells?

What will be an ideal response?


A PV cell works by sunlight shining on the wafer. "Each cell consists of two very thin layers of semiconductor material separated by a junction layer. The lower layer has atoms with single electrons in the outer orbital that are easily lost. The upper layer has atoms lacking electrons in their outer orbital; these atoms readily gain electrons. The kinetic energy of light photons striking the two-layer ‘sandwich' dislodges electrons from the lower layer, creating an electrical potential between the layers. The potential provides the energy for an electrical current to flow through the rest of the circuit."
PV cells are common in pocket calculators, watches, and toys. PV cells are used to provide power for homes, irrigation pumps, traffic signals, radio transmitters, lighthouses, offshore oil-drilling platforms, and other locations that are distant from power lines. Future applications include home-sized systems on rooftops.
"To accelerate the market share of solar power, the cost of solar cells needs to drop dramatically." This is expected to happen within the next decade or so.

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

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What will be an ideal response?

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