What materials are used on solar panels allow them to produce electricity?

Rays of sunlight hit the solar panel (also know as a photovoltaic/ PV) and are absorbed by semi-conducting materials such as silicon.

Photovoltaic cells are usually constructed from silicon, an abundant material that constitutes more than 28 percent of the Earth's crust. These cells are created by bonding two wafers of silicon that are connected to metal wires. The top wafer of silicon is extremely thin, covered by a chemical that stimulates electrons. The bottom wafer is thicker than the top, and is covered by a chemical that inhibits electron activity. The wafers produce electricity when they absorb solar radiation.