Solar energy is one of the promising sources of renewable energy that the world has been exploring for a long time. The UK has been keen on harnessing this energy source, and one of the ways it has been doing this is through the photovoltaic cell. A photovoltaic cell is a device that converts sunlight into electricity. In this article, we will delve deeper to understand what photovoltaic cells are, how they work, and their significance in the UK.
What is a photovoltaic cell?
A photovoltaic cell is a device that converts light energy into electrical energy. It is made up of semiconducting materials such as silicon, which absorbs the photons from the sun and releases electrons. These electrons are then collected by metal contacts on the cell, producing an electric current. A photovoltaic cell is also known as a solar cell.
How does a photovoltaic cell work?
A photovoltaic cell works on the principle of the photovoltaic effect. When light photons hit the surface of a photovoltaic cell, they transfer their energy to electrons in the semiconductor material. This process creates an electric field that separates the electrons and holes, and the electrons are collected by the metal contacts on the cell, producing an electric current.
There are two types of photovoltaic cells: crystalline and thin-film. Crystalline photovoltaic cells are made from silicon and are more efficient than thin-film cells. Thin-film photovoltaic cells are made from materials such as cadmium telluride and copper indium gallium selenide and are less expensive to produce.
Significance of photovoltaic cells in the UK
The UK has been investing heavily in renewable energy sources to reduce its carbon footprint and meet its climate change targets. Photovoltaic cells have been one of the significant renewable energy sources that the UK has been exploring. The UK has installed a considerable amount of photovoltaic cells over the years, and the numbers continue to rise.
One of the significant benefits of photovoltaic cells is that they produce electricity without emitting greenhouse gases. This makes them an ideal source of renewable energy in the UK, where the government has set a target of net-zero emissions by 2050. Photovoltaic cells can also be installed on rooftops, making them ideal for residential and commercial buildings.
The UK has also been promoting the use of photovoltaic cells through various incentive schemes. For instance, the government has introduced feed-in tariffs, which pay homeowners and businesses for the electricity they generate through their photovoltaic cells. This scheme has encouraged more people to invest in photovoltaic cells, leading to an increase in the installation of photovoltaic cells across the UK.
Conclusion
In conclusion, photovoltaic cells are devices that convert sunlight into electricity. They work on the principle of the photovoltaic effect, and they are made up of semiconducting materials such as silicon. The UK has been investing heavily in renewable energy sources, and photovoltaic cells have been one of the significant sources of renewable energy. The UK has also been promoting the use of photovoltaic cells through various incentive schemes, leading to an increase in the installation of photovoltaic cells across the country. With the continued investment in renewable energy sources, including photovoltaic cells, the UK is well on its way to achieving its target of net-zero emissions by 2050.
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