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
share three valence electrons. This leaves one
Si

unbound electron, facilitating a negative charge.

Si B

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

Si

five additional valence electrons. However, silicon has

B Si four. As a result, when they bond, they share four
Si
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 through 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