How do solar panels convert sunlight into electricity?

Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. Each panel contains silicon cells made of two layers: a positively charged layer and a negatively charged layer, creating an electric field between them. When photons from sunlight strike the silicon, they knock electrons loose from their atoms. The electric field then pushes these free electrons in a specific direction, creating a flow of electricity known as direct current (DC). This DC electricity then travels to an inverter, which converts it to alternating current (AC), the form used by most home appliances and the electrical grid. The efficiency of this process depends on factors like the quality of the silicon cells, the angle of the panels, and the intensity of sunlight.