Final answer:
Solar power cells rely on a junction between a semiconductor and metal. When light strikes the junction, free electrons and holes are produced, and due to the properties of the junction, these free charges move away from each other, creating a voltage across the cell.
Step-by-step explanation:
Solar power cells rely on the properties of a junction between a semiconductor and metal. When light strikes this junction, it produces free electrons and holes in pairs. Because of the properties of the junction, these free charges move away from the junction. A voltage develops across the cell because the electrons and holes move away from each other.