How does a solar photovoltaic cell generate electricity?

A PV cell converts sunlight directly to electricity using the photovoltaic effect. When photons strike semiconductor material (typically silicon), they transfer energy to electrons, freeing them from atoms. The cell's p-n junction creates an electric field that separates these free electrons, establishing a voltage. When connected to a circuit, electrons flow as current. A single silicon cell produces about 0.5-0.6V. Cells are connected in series/parallel in modules to achieve useful voltage and power output.