Solar Cell, or what in Indonesian is called a solar cell, is a semiconductor device that converts light energy into electrical energy. The diodes in the solar cell are specially made and made of crystalline silicon. When a light hits the active surface of these cells, the electrons inside will be loose, some electrons which have enough energy, will move through the diode junction. The electrons that have moved, cannot return without going through an external circuit. This transfer of electrons produces electrical energy. the more electrons that move, the greater the electrical energy produced.
On a large scale, the conversion of solar power carried out by solar cells, sometimes creates a few problems, including variations in the output voltage and the changes that accompany it when the amount of light is limited, but this can be compensated for on a smaller scale by storing the energy generated for peak period in a battery. Small-scale solar cells, which are of course low cost, become an alternative electronic device for generating electricity for homes in villages in remote areas.
The conversion of sunlight into electrical energy in solar cells involves three main processes, namely: absorption of sunlight in semiconductor materials; movement of positive and negative charges together and on a large scale from one side of the cell to the other, then creates an electric voltage in the solar cell.
Compared to ordinary diodes, solar cells or photodiodes with large surfaces can produce a device that is more sensitive to incoming light and this device can produce a higher voltage. for each solar cell, it can generate 0.5v voltage and can supply 0.1A electricity when exposed to light.
Just like batteries, solar cells can also be combined serial or parallel. When installed serially, it will produce an electric voltage which is the sum of the voltage from each cell. But if installed in parallel, it will produce an increasing electric current.