Semiconductors

Photovoltaic panels use semiconductors

Different types of semiconductors, such as crystalline silicon (c-Si) and cadmium telluride (CdTe), are used in solar cells. Semiconductors in PV cells absorb the light's energy when they are exposed to it and transfer the energy to electrons. . When light shines on a photovoltaic (PV) cell – also called a solar cell – that light may be reflected, absorbed, or pass right through the cell. The PV cell is composed of semiconductor material; the “semi” means that it can conduct electricity better than an insulator but not as well as a good. . PV cells are primarily composed of semiconductor materials that have a higher conductivity than insulators. However, these materials are not good conductors of electricity like metals. Sunlight is composed of photons, or particles of solar energy.