regarding solar energy physics ;_;

[Tashu]

I have been researching on solar energy. I am hoping if some experts could give me some insight on some statements that I am not sure ;_;

http://science.howstuffworks.com/solar-cell5.htm

Each photon with enough energy will normally free exactly one electron, and result in a free hole as well.

From what I understand, a photon is converted to an atom that is excited to vibrate a lot to break from the mass. Then, it moves to either block to create the electric charge.

I don't understand because -

During its vibrations, the electrons interacts with neighboring atoms in such a manner as to convert its vibrational energy into thermal energy.

http://www.glenbrook.k12.il.us/gbssc...ht/u12l2c.html

It converts to thermal energy. Does it happen in the solar panels? Thank you for reading and explain the concept of this if it is possible.

[TruePurple]

The second one is light hitting a general object. Heat is the enemy of electricity efficiency. AFAIK, the more light that is turned into heat, the less electricity created.

The exception is heat solar panels whos job it is to turn light into heat instead of electricity.

[Tashu]

The second one is light hitting a general object. Heat is the enemy of electricity efficiency. AFAIK, the more light that is turned into heat, the less electricity created.

Thank you for answering my question. Do you mean the electrons are using the light energy to move itself (kinetic energy) to other block? Or, is it generating the electricity?

I'm confused with two statements -

Each photon with enough energy will normally free exactly one electron

http://science.howstuffworks.com/solar-cell5.htm

From what I understand, the electrons produce vibrations therefore it produces heat. In this situation, it produces heat and moves to other block?

the light energy will be depleted when it converts to electric?

The light energy just merely carries the electron to other block where it gets electricity?

I'm sorry about asking lot of questions. The information about the solar energy were disjointed, I tried going to library, websites, etc. ;_; I am not able to get a clear answer. Thank you in advance.

[Tashu]

The second one is light hitting a general object. Heat is the enemy of electricity efficiency. AFAIK, the more light that is turned into heat, the less electricity created.

Thank you for answering my question. Do you mean the electrons are using the light energy to move itself (kinetic energy) to other block? Or, is it generating the electricity?

I'm confused with two statements -

Each photon with enough energy will normally free exactly one electron

http://science.howstuffworks.com/solar-cell5.htm

From what I understand, the electrons produce vibrations therefore it produces heat. In this situation, it produces heat and moves to other block?

the light energy will be depleted when it converts to electric?

The light energy just merely carries the electron to other block where it gets electricity?

I'm sorry about asking lot of questions. The information about the solar energy were disjointed, I tried going to library, websites, etc. ;_; I am not able to get a clear answer. Thank you in advance.

[TruePurple]

My knowledge of the workings of electricity is incomplete as well. I hope this is accurate and easy to understand. Especially since this is the second time I tried writting this since my browser unexpectedly closed on me when I was almost done with the post.

AFAIK, Electricity is a flow of electrons caused by a series of collisions of electrons with atoms which free electrons. A series of joining and losing of electrons that add up to a flow of electrons. Heat is the general movement of molecules, it would be like ones car being a electron following a wide road, but this road is always shifting and moving. Sometimes providing obstacles or sending you off course. The more the road moves the less cars make it to their destination. Which is why heat is usually the enemy of electricity efficiency. Warmer wire tends to lose more electricity then cooler wire.

Now FV cells are designed to turn the energy collision of photons into electron flow, if a photon is inadvertently turned into general heat instead, it disrupts the process instead of adding to it. Your second link is about light hitting general matter.

I'm pretty sure photons who turn into electricity via a a FV cell contribute little energy to thermal generation. But considering that most FV only use some of the light that hits it, thats alot left over to create thermal energy instead.

[TruePurple]

So was I of any help?

[S]

im sure you were truepurple

[mgopilot]

In the presence of catalytic crystals or amorphous films, sun excited electrons go through wires to my charge controller to my batteries. These batteries give direct current to my twin, com linked, inverters which have an output of 2x116 volts alternating current at 60 cycles per second, and a total power of 4,800 watts, 8,000 surge. I am presently using about 300 watts, and indicating a draw of 5 amps at 24 volts DC. Going into a power unit to and from the computer to a wireless DSL antenna, to a satellite, to England, etc. etc. It is about as cool as it gets. Photons for electrons, free!!!