The basic principle of solar photovoltaic panel power generation is mainly based on the photovoltaic effect, which is a physical phenomenon that describes the process by which light energy is converted into electrical energy when it interacts with matter. A solar photovoltaic panel, also known as a solar panel, is a device consisting of multiple photovoltaic cells, the core of which is a special semiconductor material, usually silicon.
When sunlight hits a photovoltaic cell on a photovoltaic panel, the photons interact with the electrons in the semiconductor material. These photons have enough energy to excite electrons from the atomically bound state in the semiconductor material, forming photogenerated electron-hole pairs. This is the so-called "photoionization" process.
In photovoltaic cells, there is a special structure called a PN junction. The p-n junction has a positive semiconductor (p-type) on one side and a negative semiconductor (n-type) on the other side. When photogenerated electron-hole pairs are generated near the p-n junction, the electrons and holes are separated and move towards the n-type and p-type regions due to the potential difference between the two sides of the pn junction (also known as the built-in electric field).
In this way, a potential difference, i.e., voltage, is created on both sides of the photovoltaic cell. When a photovoltaic cell is connected to an external circuit, electrons and holes can flow through the external circuit, forming an electric current. This process is the process of converting solar energy into electrical energy, and it is also the embodiment of the photovoltaic effect.
The efficiency of solar PV panels depends on several factors, including the material, structure, and manufacturing process of the PV cell, as well as environmental factors such as light intensity, spectral distribution, temperature, etc. At present, silicon-based photovoltaic cells are the most common and efficient type, but with the progress of science and technology, new materials such as copper indium gallium selenide and perovskite are also developing and applying.
In addition, the power generation efficiency of photovoltaic panels is also affected by their installation angle, orientation, shading and other factors. In order to maximize the collection and utilization of solar energy, the location and angle of the photovoltaic panels often need to be carefully designed and adjusted.
Overall, the basic principle of solar PV panel power generation is to convert solar energy into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. This process is not only clean and environmentally friendly, but also sustainable use, which is of great significance for reducing fossil energy dependence, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting sustainable development. With the advancement of technology and the reduction of costs, solar photovoltaic power generation has been widely used and promoted worldwide.