How do solar panels convert sunlight into usable electricity?

Solar panels work 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 direct current (DC) electricity. This DC electricity travels to an inverter, which converts it into alternating current (AC) electricity, the standard form used by household appliances and the power grid. The more intense the sunlight hitting the panels, the more electrons are displaced and the more electricity is generated. Excess electricity can be stored in batteries or fed back into the grid.