| solar cell A photoelectric cell designed to convert sunlight into electrical energy, typically consisting of layers or sheets of specially prepared silicon. Electrons, displaced through the photoelectric effect by the Sun's radiant energy in one layer, flow across a junction to the other layer, creating a voltage across the layers that can provide power to an external circuit. Solar cells are used as power supplies in calculators, satellites, and other devices, and as a primary source of electricity in remote locations. |
Devices, usually made of semiconductors, that convert sunlight directly into electric current. Solar cells power artificial satellites and are often used in remote locations of the Earth.
Note: At present, solar cells are too expensive and inefficient to be used for commercial generation of electricity.