How does solar panel technology convert sunlight to 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 electrical current. Metal contacts on the cell capture this current and send it through wiring. The electricity produced is direct current (DC), which an inverter then converts to alternating current (AC) for use in homes and businesses. The efficiency of this process depends on the quality of the silicon, the intensity of sunlight, and the panel's temperature.