This animated tutorial describes the basics of solar cell operation. It defines the photovoltaic effect, discusses electron and current flow within a solar cell, and introduces a variety of materials used in solar cell designs.

Citation: M.J. Parry-Hill, R.T. Sutter, M.W. Davidson, "Solar Cell Operation," Molecular Expressions (TM). Optical Microscopy Primer, Physics of Light and Color. © 1998-2008 by Michael W. Davidson, Mortimer Abramowitz, Olympus America Inc., and The Florida State University. (All Rights Reserved. No images, graphics, scripts, or applets may be reproduced or used in any manner without permission from the copyright holders. Use of this website means you agree to all of the Legal Terms and Conditions set forth by the owners.) Last updated June 15, 2006.

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