Photovoltaic energy is the most promising and popular form of solar energy. In solar photovoltaics, sunlight is actually converted into electricity. This is very different from a conventional understanding of solar power as only a way of heating water. Photovoltaic, now the biggest usage of solar energy around the world, is briefly explained below:
Sunlight is made of photons, small particles of energy. These photons are absorbed by and pass through the material of a solar cell or solar photovoltaic panel. The photons 'agitate' the electrons found in the material of the photovoltaic cell. As they begin to move (or are dislodged), these are 'routed' into a current. This, technically, is electricity - the movement of electrons along a path.
Conversion light to current – atom model
Light particle (photon) hits an outside electron
Electron expands its circuit and leaves the orbit
Only this effect is not usable
steering by electrical field required
Wire conducts these electrons, either to batteries or to the regular electrical system of the house, to be used by appliances and other household electrical items. In many solar energy systems, the battery stores energy for later use. This is especially true when the sun is shining strongly.
The solar cell on a calculator is a good micro-version for all PV systems: the PV panel feeds electricity to a battery. If the calculator is in use, the energy is used (at least in part) by the calculator. If it is not, the energy is stored in a battery, so solar calculators can be used after dark, or in less 'solar' conditions.
Photovoltaic