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Line 118: + + + − If we then connect the n-type side to the p-type side of the cell by means of an external electric circuit, current flows through the circuit (which responds just as if powered by a battery} because this reduces the light induced charge imbalance in the cell.
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As the N-type material has lost electrons and the P-type has lost holes, the N-type material has become positive with respect to the P-type which has also turned negative.
As the N-type material has lost electrons and the P-type has lost holes, the N-type material has become positive with respect to the P-type which has also turned negative.
How then is the electric current generated ?
How then is the electric current generated ?
[[File:PV cell with photon.png|left|thumb|314x314px]]
[[File:PV cell with photon.png|left|thumb|314x314px]]
[[File:PV cell with photon inside.png|thumb|352x352px|alt=]]When sunlight or energy from the light (Photons, that has enough energy to free an electron from a bond in the silicon crystal) strikes the PV cell, and is absorbed by the semiconductor in the depletion zone.[[File:PV cell with photon and electron holes.png|left|thumb|316x316px]]
[[File:PV cell with photon inside.png|thumb|352x352px|alt=]]
When sunlight or energy from the light (Photons, that has enough energy to free an electron from a bond in the silicon crystal) strikes the PV cell, and is absorbed by the semiconductor in the depletion zone.[[File:PV cell with photon and electron holes.png|left|thumb|316x316px]]
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If we then connect the n-type side to the p-type side of the cell by means of an external electric circuit, current flows through the circuit (which responds just as if powered by a battery} because this reduces the light induced charge imbalance in the cell.
Negative charges flow out of the electrode on the n-type side, through a load (such as a light bulb}, and perform useful work on that load (such as heating the light bulb's filament to incandescence}. The electrons then flow into the p-type side, where they recombine with holes near the electrode.[[File:PV cell in circuit.png|left|thumb|350x350px]]
Negative charges flow out of the electrode on the n-type side, through a load (such as a light bulb}, and perform useful work on that load (such as heating the light bulb's filament to incandescence}. The electrons then flow into the p-type side, where they recombine with holes near the electrode.[[File:PV cell in circuit.png|left|thumb|350x350px]]