Solar panels, which are responsible for generating electricity, are made of a special layer of which element?

Bihar NHM CHO-2025

General Knowledge

Easy

Appeared in: Bihar NHM CHO-2025

Explanation

Silicon is the primary material used to manufacture photovoltaic (PV) cells, which are the building blocks of solar panels.
It is a semiconductor with properties that allow it to efficiently absorb photons from sunlight and release electrons, generating an electric current (the photovoltaic effect).
Silicon is the second most abundant element in the Earth's crust, making it a cost-effective and scalable material for mass production of solar panels.

Option A: Phosphorous is not the main structural element of a solar cell. It is used in very small quantities as a 'dopant'.
Option B: While Germanium is a semiconductor, it is far less common, more expensive, and generally less efficient than silicon for standard solar power generation.
Option D: Selenium is not the primary material for modern solar panels used for electricity generation due to its lower efficiency compared to silicon.

Visual 1: Diagram - A cross-section of a silicon solar cell. The visual should clearly label the n-type silicon layer (doped with phosphorus), the p-type silicon layer (doped with boron), the p-n junction, and show how incoming photons dislodge electrons to create a current.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Material science of solar panels as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
This is a general science question. The principles of material science and energy are fundamental across various fields.
Impact on Public Health: The widespread use of silicon in solar panels contributes to clean energy production, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. This, in turn, lowers air pollution, leading to decreased incidence of respiratory illnesses (like asthma and COPD) and cardiovascular diseases in the population.
What if the question asked about the most abundant element in the Earth's crust? The answer would be Oxygen, followed by Silicon. This highlights silicon's availability for technologies like solar panels.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'Solar panels', 'generating electricity', and 'element'. The question is asking for the primary material component.
Recall or deduce the basic principles of how solar panels work. They use semiconductor materials to convert light into electricity.
Evaluate each option. Silicon is widely known as the most common semiconductor used in electronics and solar panels.
Consider the other options as potential distractors. Phosphorous is a known dopant in semiconductors, not the bulk material. Germanium is a semiconductor but less common. Selenium is known for some photoelectric properties but is not the modern standard.
Conclude that Silicon is the most fitting answer based on its role as the primary, abundant, and efficient semiconductor for this application.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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