Photovoltaic effect

When light(solar energy) is converted into electrical energy, we speak of the photovoltaic effect. Light particles, so-called photons, hit silicon on a solar cell. The core of the silicon consists of protons (positively charged particles) and neutrons surrounded by electrons. Silicon atoms connect with their outer electrons to other silicon atoms.
The photons (light irradiation) cause the electrons to move. In order to use this effect for energy generation, solar cells also use phosphorus atoms on one side and boron atoms on the other side or layer in addition to silicon. Phosphorus atoms have one electron more than silicon and boron one electron less. Through solar radiation, the additional electrons of the phosphorus atom are released and migrate to the boron atoms in the other layer of the solar cell. This creates two different charges and consequently electrical voltage. See also p-n layers.