Definition

Noun: A device that converts sunlight directly into electricity using the semiconductor material within it. It is the basic building block of a solar panel.

Usage

A "photovoltaic cell" is a technical term used primarily in the contexts of physics, engineering, and renewable energy. It refers to a single, functional unit. - It is typically used as a countable noun (e.g., a photovoltaic cell, several photovoltaic cells). - The term is often shortened informally to "solar cell."

Examples

• The efficiency of a single photovoltaic cell is constantly improving.
• This calculator is powered by a small photovoltaic cell.
• Researchers are developing new materials for photovoltaic cells.

Advanced Usage

• "Photovoltaic cell efficiency": Refers to the percentage of sunlight energy that the cell converts into usable electrical energy.
  • Improving photovoltaic cell efficiency is a key research goal.
• "Thin-film photovoltaic cell": A type of cell made by depositing one or more thin layers of photovoltaic material onto a substrate.
  • Thin-film photovoltaic cells are lighter and more flexible than traditional silicon cells.

Variants and Related Words

• Solar cell (n): A common synonym for "photovoltaic cell."
• Photovoltaic (adj): Relating to the production of electric current at the junction of two substances exposed to light.
  • The house has a photovoltaic system on the roof.
• PV cell (n): A standard abbreviation.
• Solar panel (n): A group of many photovoltaic cells connected together and mounted in a frame.

Synonyms

• Solar cell: The most direct and common synonym.

Related Phrases

• Photovoltaic effect (n): The physical and chemical phenomenon that is the basis of a photovoltaic cell's operation.
  • The photovoltaic effect was first observed in 1839.
• Photovoltaic module (n): Another term for a solar panel, which is an assembly of connected photovoltaic cells.

Noun

1. a cell that converts solar energy into electrical energy