How Solar Power Works | Can PV Cells Run Out of Electrons?

” series got some great responses, but one of the questions we got was so good I felt like we had to write up the answer. So, before we get on to part 2, I’d like to answer Tim’s excellent question, “Why doesn’t the silicon in PV modules run out of electrons? There seems to be an endless supply of electrons that are freed up when sunlight hits the panels.”That “photovoltaic” or “

” happens on an atomic level. That means that when a super-tiny photon hits an atom in just the right way, the atom absorbs a photon and releases an electron. The movement of electrons is— you guessed it!— electricityWhat Tim caught makes sense. If there are a limited amount of electrons “orbiting” an atom— which we all learned in Ms. Wentworth’s 8th grade physical science class, right?— wouldn’t the PV cell eventually run out of electrons to shed?The longer answer can be answered two ways.

In simple terms, a circuit is a complete path around which electricity can flow. It must include a source of electricity , and conducting material that will allow electricity to pass through them easily. The conductor is then attached to the positive and negative ends of the power supply and electrons can begin to flow. Every electrical circuit you’ve ever seen is built just like this: as a loop.

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