An Understanding of the Operation of Silicon Photovoltaic Panels

Abstract

As the photons of the solar irradiance fall on the free electrons of the PV cell, it mobilizes the electrons and causes an electric current flow. It has been found that the electrical current from a silicon PV cell is proportional to the incident solar irradiance such if there is no limit for the generated electrical current. The performance of a PV cell is a very confusing phenomenon, because the number of free electrons within a silicon PV cell is limited, while the generated electric current from a PV cell is unlimited. It has been shown that considering the electric current as a flow of electrons is contradicted by many experimental arguments. On the other hand, the postulated nature of electric current as a flow of an electromagnetic wave of a negative electric potential solves such conflicts. The PV cell is a device that transforms the incident solar energy, i.e. zero potential electromagnetic waves, into an electromagnetic wave but with a negative potential, which is known as the electrical current. Therefore, more input solar energy to the PV cell means more electrical output from the PV cell without any limitations.