solar cell materials

Solar cell materials are substances used to convert sunlight into electricity. The most common material is silicon, a semiconductor that absorbs sunlight and generates electric current through a process called the photovoltaic effect. There are two main types: monocrystalline and polycrystalline silicon, differing in purity and structure. Other materials include thin-film options like cadmium telluride and perovskite, which can be more flexible and less expensive. These materials are layered and engineered to optimize light absorption and electron flow, making solar cells efficient at capturing renewable energy from the sun to power homes and devices.