How Solar Panels Convert Energy

How do solar panels convert light to electricity?

Solar panels convert sunlight to electricity through the photovoltaic effect: (1) Photons (light particles) from sunlight hit silicon cells in the panel. (2) Photons transfer energy to electrons in the silicon, knocking them loose from their atoms. (3) The loose electrons flow through the circuit as an electrical current (DC). (4) An inverter converts DC to AC electricity (230V, 50Hz) for your home. This process has no moving parts, no fuel, no emissions, and works for 25+ years with minimal degradation.