The photovoltaic effect produces a flow of electrons. Electrons are excited by particles of light and find the attached electrical circuit the easiest path to travel from one side of the solar cell to the other. This excitation of electrons causes an electron flow. The solar cell takes these electrons and directs them to flow in a path or an electrical circuit. Photovoltaics is the process of solar electric cells converting sunlight directly into DC power. This DC power is then used to run a pump.