sunlight (photons) silicon’s valence electrons negative charge

phosphorus’s valence electrons positive charge

boron’s valence electrons
shared valence electrons
unbound/“extra” electron
“hole”—lack of electron

n-type semiconductor
p-n junction
p-type semiconductor

Si P
Si

In order to satisfy the octet rule, a phosphorus atom

Si
P Si needs three additional valence electrons. However,
silicon has four. As a result, when they bond, they
Si

share three valence electrons. This leaves one

unbound electron, facilitating a negative charge.

Si B

In order to satisfy the octet rule, a boron atom needs

Si

Si five additional valence electr ons. However, silicon has

B Si four. As a result, when they bond, they share four
valence electrons. This leaves one “hole” where the
Si

octet rule is not satisfied, facilitating a positive charge.

sunlight (photons)

unbound electrons in n-type layer

“holes” in p-type layer;

result in agitated
n-type semiconductor
particles
p-n junction
p-type semiconductor
-

When photons (light particles) hit the top layer of a solar panel (the n-
-
type semiconductor), the unbound electrons are knocked out of
place and begin to flow thr ough the panel’s layers and into any
connected wires. These electrons facilitate an electric charge which
can be used to power a variety of objects.

DANI COOKE
Solar Group B
China & Energy: Spring 2018