Photovoltaic Effect
The photovoltaic effect is a physical and chemical phenomenon where certain materials generate an electric current when exposed to light. It involves the absorption of photons, which excites electrons to a higher energy state, creating electron-hole pairs that can be separated to produce electricity. This effect is the fundamental principle behind solar cells and photovoltaic technology used to convert sunlight into electrical energy.
Developers should learn about the photovoltaic effect when working on renewable energy systems, IoT devices with solar power, or embedded systems requiring energy harvesting. It's essential for understanding how solar panels work, enabling the design of efficient power management circuits, battery charging systems, and sustainable tech solutions in fields like smart agriculture, remote sensors, and green computing.