Photon – what it is?
According to a textbook definition, a photon is an elementary particle that does not have an electric charge.
According to a textbook definition, a photon is an elementary particle that does not have an electric charge. Photons themselves are created in the nucleus of the Sun and reach the surface of the Earth in the form of beams of sunlight, which can be observed practically every day. At the same time, the photon is the basis for the operation of a photovoltaic system and the production of electricity from a renewable source. It is therefore worth knowing what a photon is and how it enables the production of electricity.
What is a photon?
Based on the definition, a photon can be considered an elementary particle in physics that does not have its own electrical charge. One of the most important characteristics of the photon is that it is a carrier of electromagnetic interactions. Photons themselves are not a constant and uniform phenomenon, because it depends on the process of photon formation and the characteristics of electromagnetic radiation at a given moment. Based on these characteristics, several types of photons can be distinguished:
radio wave radiation;
microwave radiation;
infrared radiation
visible light;
ultraviolet;
X-rays;
gamma radiation.
The photons themselves, however, regardless of the characteristics of one of their types, are extremely important for life on Earth. They are the basis for the functioning of all living organisms, without which life could not exist and develop spontaneously. You can read more about the definition of a photon here https://columbusenergy.en/photovoltaics-photon-without-ni-nieloby-prad/
Why photons are so important?
A photon – or more precisely a collection of photons – is nothing more than sunlight that can be observed every day. The photons themselves are created by nuclear fusion, i.e. The process of transformation of hydrogen located in the nucleus of the Sun to helium due to the enormous pressure and temperature prevailing on the surface of the Sun. Photons are then transported over millions of years from the core of the Sun to its surface, where they are emitted into space with the solar wind and reach the various planets around the Sun, e.g. Earth.
Photons themselves create sunlight, which is the key factor for the origin and development of life on earth. Without sunlight, virtually no plant or animal species could live or function. In addition, it is the Sun that dictates the daily rhythm of animal and plant life and has a huge impact on many phenomena and climatic processes on Earth. This is why photons are an indispensable part of life on Earth.
The use of photons in photovoltaics – what it is all about?
Undoubtedly, photons are associated with the production of clean energy in a photovoltaic system. For good measure, photons are the basis for the functioning of this system. Photovoltaic panels, which are the basis of the photovoltaic installation itself, use photons, i.e. beams of light to produce electricity. The process itself starts when photon beams fall on silicon photovoltaic cells, from which solar panels are made. This makes it possible to precipitate the electrons, which are located on the surface of photovoltaic panels, out of stillness.
Then the electrons so precipitated go to the two ends of the solar panel with different electrical charge. This leads to the creation of voltage and, as a result, a constant current of electricity. The electricity produced in this way then passes through other components, which finally find their way as alternating current into the power grid or to an electrical storage facility.
It is worth mentioning here that without photons (sunlight) the energy production process would be impossible. Moreover, the energy produced in this way is equated with green energy or renewable energy. This means that the electricity produced in this way has a positive impact on the environment, as well as providing a number of other benefits to the users of this type of electricity generation facility.