Details: 1. Sunlight and Photons: Sunlight is composed of photons, which are particles carrying energy. 2. Absorption: When sunlight hits a solar cell, some photons are absorbed by the semiconductor material, typically silicon. 3. Electron Excitation: The absorbed photons transfer their energy to electrons within the silicon atoms, causing them to become energized and move freely. 4. Charge Separation: The solar cell is designed with two layers of semiconductor material (p-type and n-type) which create an electric field. This electric field helps separate the negatively charged electrons and positively charged "holes" created by the electrons leaving their atoms. 5. Current Flow: The separated electrons and holes are then driven by the electric field to opposite sides of the cell, creating an electrical current. 6. External Circuit: The current is collected by conductive metal contacts (the grid-like lines on the cell) and can be used to power electrical devices or stored in batteries for later use.