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How Solar Cells Work

Converting sunlight to electricity

What will happen

Students are introduced to the concept of converting sunlight to electricity

with photovoltaic cells.
Students will

Know that solar energy is the radiation from the sun that reaches the Earths surface

Explain how solar cells are used to generate electricity

Understand that solar energy doesnt release carbon dioxide therefore helping to
reduce green house gas emissions

Use a voltmeter to measure energy produced by a solar panel
Total Time
Establish what
The Activity
Debrief what
students
know
students
learned
1/2 - 11/2 hours



Part A
Part B



30
40
minutes
30-45
minute
s
20-40
minutes
10 minutes

In Advance
What you need to know

Solar or photovoltaic (PV) cells are made up of materials that turn sunlight

into electricity. Photovoltaic (PV) technologies including Solar thermal hot water

are renewable energy technologies and are clean energy alternatives compared to

non renewable energy technologies that burn fossil fuels.

PV cells are composed of layers of semiconductors such as silicon. Energy is

created when photons of light from the sun strike a solar cell and are absorbed
within the semiconductor material. This excites the semiconductors electrons, causing
the electrons to flow, and creating a usable electric current. The current flows in one
direction and thus the electricity generated is termed direct current (DC).

One PV cell produces only one or two watts which isnt much power for most uses.
In order to increase power, photovoltaic or solar cells are bundled together into
what is termed a module and packaged into a frame which is more commonly
known as a solar panel. Solar panels can then be grouped into larger solar arrays.

Vocabulary
Power- Watts (W) - The rate at which work is performed or energy is converted; for
example, the rate at which electrical energy is being produced by the solar electric
system. A watt is the product of the current, in amperes (A), and the voltage, in volts
(V). Watt (W) = amps x volts.
Voltage- Volts (V) - The electrical force that makes electricity move through a wire
and is measured in volts. The bigger the voltage, the more current will tend to flow.
Current- Amps (I) - Current is the steady flow of electrons and is measured in
amperes or Amps.

How Solar Cells Work

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Structure of a Solar Cell

A typical solar cell is a multi-layered unit consisting of a:
Cover - a clear glass or plastic layer that provides outer protection from the
elements. Transparent Adhesive - holds the glass to the rest of the solar cell.
Anti-reflective Coating - this substance is designed to prevent the light that strikes
the cell from bouncing off so that the maximum energy is absorbed into the cell.
Front Contact - transmits the electric current.
N-Type Semiconductor Layer - This is a thin layer of silicon which has been mixed
(process if called doping) with phosphorous to make it a better conductor.
P-Type Semiconductor Layer - This is a thin layer of silicon which has been mixed
or doped with boron to make it a better conductor.
Back Contact - transmits the electric current.
N-Layer- is often formed from silicon and a small amount of Phosphorus.
Phosphorus gives the layer an excess of electrons and therefore has a negative
character. The n-layer is not a charged layer- it has an equal number of protons
and electrons-but some of the electrons are not held tightly to the atoms and
are free to move.
P-Layer- is formed from silicon and Boron and gives the layer a positive
character because it has a tendency to attract electrons. The p-layer is not a
charged layer and it has an equal number of protons and electrons.
P-N Junction - when the two layers are placed together, the free electrons from
the n-layer are attracted to the p-layer. At the moment of contact between the
two wafers, free electrons from the n-layer flow into the p-layer for a split second,
then form a barrier to prevent more electrons from moving from one layer to the
other. This contact point and barrier is called the p-n junction.

anti-reflection coating
transparent adhesive
cover glass

n-layer semiconductor
p-layer semiconductor

sunlight
front contact

current

p-n junction
back contact
How Solar Cells Work

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Once the layers have been joined, there is a negative charge in the p-layer and a
positive charge in the n-layer section of the junction. This imbalance in the charge of
the two layers at the p-n junction produces an electric field between the p-layer and
the n-layer.
If the PV cell is placed in the sun, radiant energy strikes the electrons in the p-n junction
and energizes them, knocking them free of their atoms. These electrons are attracted
to the positive charge in the n-layer and are repelled by the negative charge in
the p-layer.
A wire can be attached from the p-layer to the n-layer to form a circuit. As the free
electrons are pushed into the n-layer by the radiant energy, they repel each other.
The wire provides a path for the electrons to flow away from each other. This flow
of electrons is an electric current that we can observe.
The electron flow provides the current, and the cells electric field causes a voltage.
With both current and voltage, we have power, which is the product of the two.
What might surprise you

45% of the cost of a solar cell is for the silicon wafers and about 35% is for the
other components. With increasing numbers of photovoltaic cells being sold
around the world and with ongoing research to make them more efficient, the
price of PV cells has gone down about 4% per year for the last 15 years.

Source: Green Learning, http://www.greenlearning.ca/

The amount of solar energy that strikes the Earths surface per year is about
29,000 times greater than all the energy used in the United States in 1995.

Source: Solar in Schools Program by Madison Gas and Electric

What you need

Materials for Demo 1 and 2

Measuring Solar Cell Out worksheet

Establish what students know

1. Review the electron-proton-neutron model of the atom, the basic ideas of
bond formation involving shared pairs of electrons, valence electrons and the
notion that like charges repel and opposites attract.

2. Review basic electrical concepts such as direct current, series, parallel and voltage.

photons

electrons

current

voltage
How Solar Cells Work

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Main Activity
Part A- Converting Photons to Electrons
Overview
The following two demonstrations will introduce students to a number of concepts key to
understanding how solar cells work. Set the stage by using a prop to introduce the PV cell and
component parts to the students. Display three calculators (or other common object that the
students can relate to) at the front of the room: one that plugs into an outlet, one that runs on
batteries, and one that is solar powered.
During the demonstrations highlight the following:

Light energy (photons) strikes the PV cell.

The silicon cells absorb some of the light energy.

The absorbed energy knocks some of silicons electrons loose.

Electrons flow creating an electrical current.

Current flows through metal contacts on the top and bottom of the PV cell.
The metal contacts or leads can direct the current through wires that are attached to a
battery or motor.

Demo 1- How Silicon in a PV Cell Creates Electrical Energy

What you need:

Ice

2 plastic containers

Clear Plastic tubing-long enough to connect the two containers, ~ 30cm

Hair dryer

Plasticine
What you do:

1. One plastic container represents a PV cell, the other represents a battery.
Connect the two containers with the plastic tubing as follows.

2. The PV cell container should have the plastic tubing exiting from the bottom
and the battery container should have the plastic tubing entering near the top.

3. Seal tubing with plasticine so there are no leaks.

4. Fill the PV cell container with ice cubes. The ice cubes represent Silicon found within the
PV cell. The electrons in the Silicon do not have enough energy to move and create an
electric current on their own so they exist in a frozen state.

5. The sun is represented by a hair dryer. The hair dryer melting the ice represents
the release of the electrons by the sun and the flow of electric current.

How Solar Cells Work

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Demo 2- Atomic Bumper Cars*
What you need:

Chalk or cones to mark playing area

Bell

1 Skipping rope (represents the p-n junction) or 5-10 students acting as turnstiles

2 ropes ~ 5m long (represents the wires)
What you do:

1. Explain that the class is going to conduct a demonstration that shows how a solar
cell converts light energy into electrical energy.

Solar
Energy

2.

Mark off a square area that will represent a photovoltaic (PV) cell approximately
10m x 10m. Mark off a circular area that represents the sun, approximately
3m in diameter and positioned about 5 m from one end of the PV cell. On the
opposite end and about 5m from the PV cell, mark of an area approximately
1m x 1m to represent the battery.

3.

Divide the PV cell in half with a skipping rope with 1 student on each end of the
rope. This represents the P-N junction of the PV cell. They will hold the rope and
turn it for the electrons as the electrons try to move from the p-layer to the
n-layer once the simulation is started. Another option instead of a skipping rope
is to use 5-10 students that line up along the p-n junction and act as turnstile,
rotating as electrons tries to get through. Those electrons that cant get through
go back to p-layer.

4. Place 8-10 students acting as electrons on the side of the PV cell closest to the
battery to represent the n-layer.

5. Place 3-5 students, representing electrons, on the other half of the PV cell
representing the p-layer.

6. Place 2 ropes leading from the PV cell to the battery. One connects the n-layer to
battery and the other from the battery to p-layer. These represent the wires that
carry the current to and from the battery.

7. One student stands in the battery area with the bell.

8. The remaining students stand in the sun area and represent the suns photons.

9. Explain to the class that the suns photons are energy and creates motion.
To begin, one of the students who represent the Suns photons runs over to
the p-layer and tags an electron.

10. This electron must then move through (skip) the p-n junction and go tag
an electron in the n-layer. The tagged electron then moves out of the PV cell
along the rope (=wire) to the battery. Once the electron tags the student in
the battery, that student rings the bell.

11. After the bell rings, the student in the battery moves along rope (wire) to the
p-layer in the PV cell. Continue until all the photons in the sun are released.

12. Debrief with student what happens when photons hit the PV cell.

*adapted from Florida Solar Energy Centre. Lesson: Solar Matters

How Solar Cells Work

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Main Activity
Part B- Measuring the Output of a Solar Cell
Students explore the concept that solar panel energy output is affected by shading, light
intensity and angle.
What you need:

Solar Cells (purchase from education supply companies e.g. Sunwind or Nasco
Spectrum)

Connecting wires

Protractors

Rulers

100W light source

Voltmeter

Cardboard
What you do:

1. Students will conduct a series of experiment with a solar cell to determine the
affect shading, angle of the solar panel and distance from the light source has on
the output of the solar cell.

2. Review with the students the following points. Note:The Power of PV lesson has
background information on the following:
Current is measured in amps and is the rate of flow of the electrons
Voltage is measured in volts and is the force or push through the circuit
Power (watts) = Voltage (volts) x Current (amps)

3. Demonstrate with the students of how to attach the wires to the solar cell and
voltmeter and how to read the voltmeter.

4. In groups students conduct the 3 different experiments from the
Measuring the Output of A Solar Cell Worksheet.

5. Students graph their results for each of the 3 experiments.

6. After the class has completed their experiments discuss the variables the can
affect the output of the solar cells.
Debrief what students learned

Review students understanding of how a solar cell works by forming small groups
and giving them 10 minutes to sketch and label how a solar cell produces
electricity. Share results.

Students work in groups to complete questions and share with the class:
a. How does light cause electrons to flow?
b. Which direction do electrons flow?
c. What forms the electric field within the PV cell?
d. What happens to the electrons when the light source disappears?

How Solar Cells Work

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Extensions

Model it. Create a working model to illustrate producing electricity from the sun

through a solar cell, include the electrons, n-layer, p-layer, and barrier.

Experiment further. Determine how much electricity can be produced under

different lighting conditions, such as light intensity, angle of the light source, and

concentration of light.
Assessment

Draw a diagram that shows how a solar cell works. Label the parts .

Describe factors that would affect solar cell output.

Check out

How Photovoltaic Cells Work http://www.youtube.com/

Links

Anatomy of a solar cell http://science.howstuffworks.com/solar-cell3.htm

How silicon makes a solar cell http://science.howstuffworks.com/solar-cell2.htm

photons

electrons

current

voltage

How Solar Cells Work

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t

w o

Measuring Solar Cell Output

d
tu e

r k
s h e

A. Light Intensity
Investigate how the light intensity, measured by the distance of solar cell from the light
source, affects the solar cell output.

What you need

What you do

Light source with 100 watt bulb

1. Place the solar cell directly at the same
Voltmeter angle for each distance measured.
Solar cell
Ruler
2. Record the current and voltage for
Connecting wires each distance.

Distance from
Light Source

5 cm

10 cm

15 cm

30 cm

Current (Amps)

Voltage (Volts)

Questions
1. What is the relationship between he voltage produced and the distance from the light source?

2. What time of day would the solar cell produce the most electricity?

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Measuring Solar Cell Output

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B. Tilt Angle
Investigate how the angle between the sun and the solar cell affects the output.

What you need

What you do

Light source with 100 watt bulb

1. Hold the panel at different angles using
Voltmeter the protractor to measure the angles
Solar cell of the light source hitting the PV Cell.
Protractor
Connecting wires
2. Record the current and voltage change.

Solar Panel

Angle

Angles of
Solar Cell to
Light Source

90

45

30

15

Current (Amps)

Voltage (Volts)
Power (Watts)

Questions
1. What is the maximum amount of current (Amps) that can be produced?

_________________

2. What is the angle of the solar panel for the maximum current ?

_________________

3. What is the maximum amount of voltage (Volts) that can be produced?

_________________

4. What is the angle of the solar panel for the maximum voltage?

_________________
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Measuring Solar Cell Output

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C. Shading
Investigate the how shading of the solar cell affects the solar cell output.

What you need

What you do

Light source with 100 watt bulb

1. Measure the surface area of the solar cell
Voltmeter
Solar cell
2. Cut different pieces of cardboard to
Motor cover 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of the
cardboard surface area of the solar cell.
Connecting wires


3. Tilt the solar cell at an angle that
generated the highest current
Part B. Record current and voltage.

Shading of
0%
25%
Solar Cell
coverage
coverage

50%
coverage

75%
coverage

100%
coverage

Current (Amps)

Voltage (Volts)
Power (Watts)

Questions
1. How does the shading affect solar cell output ?

2. What percentage was the optimum output ? Lowest output ?

How Solar Cells Work

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Structure of a Solar Cell
A typical solar cell is a multi-layered unit consisting of a:
Cover - a clear glass or plastic layer that provides outer protection from the
elements. Transparent Adhesive - holds the glass to the rest of the
solar cell.
Anti-reflective Coating - this substance is designed to prevent the light that
strikes the cell from bouncing off so that the maximum energy is absorbed
into the cell.
Front Contact - transmits the electric current.
N-Type Semiconductor Layer - a thin layer of silicon which has been mixed
(process if called doping) with phosphorous to make it a better conductor.
P-Type Semiconductor Layer - This is a thin layer of silicon which has been
mixed or doped with boron to make it a better conductor.
Back Contact - transmits the electric current.

anti-reflection coating
transparent adhesive
cover glass

n-layer semiconductor
p-layer semiconductor

sunlight
front contact

current

p-n junction
back contact

How Solar Cells Work

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