Using LEDs as solar cells is a useful tool for teaching about photovoltaic phenomena

Abstract

The world faces a global concern of replacing fossil fuels with renewable and clean energy sources due to the harmful carbon emissions that contribute to climate change and the depletion of these non-renewable resources. To combat this issue, there is a worldwide effort to find alternatives to fossil fuels and develop new energy generation technologies. One promising alternative is solar energy, which several countries include as an energy source. While photovoltaic power has been used, expanding knowledge in this area is needed. Educating people about the importance of critical thinking regarding renewable, carbon-free energy technology like solar energy can highlight its significance in the contemporary world. In this study, we use light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to simulate the behaviour of a photovoltaic solar cell when exposed to sunlight and describe the relationships among electrical quantities, such as potential difference, current, and power.