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How can solar power be used to generate energy?

Solar energy can be transformed into electrical energy by using photovoltaic cells. There are many different types of photovoltaic cells, including crystalline, amorphous, organic, and nano. In general, a photovoltaic cell can convert 7-30% of incoming sunlight to electrical energy.


Light energy is emitted from the sun in the form of photons. Photons are small packets of light energy. Photons are absorbed by the semiconductor material in photovoltaic cells. This causes electrons to flow and generates electrical current. An inverter is used to convert direct current into alternating current that can be used by home appliances.


Photovoltaic cells can operate for up to twenty years and do not produce emissions that harm the environment. The cost of solar energy is still higher than the cost of nonrenewable energy sources; the cost of solar power has dropped considerably since the 1970s, however.

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