Photovoltaic cell

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-008940",
  "term": "Photovoltaic cell",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "A device that converts light energy directly into electrical energy through the photovoltaic effect. It consists of semiconductor materials that generate an electric current when exposed to photons. The efficiency of these cells is measured by the ratio of electrical power output to incident solar power, with commercial cells reaching over 20%.",
  "subject": "Physical and Biophysical Chemistry",
  "see_also": [
    "bandgap energy",
    "photogalvanic cell",
    "power",
    "semiconductor"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 1991, 63, 569. 'Terminology in semiconductor electrochemistry and photoelectrochemical energy conversion (Recommendations 1991)' on page 593 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199163040569)",
    "PAC, 1996, 68, 2223. 'Glossary of terms used in photochemistry (IUPAC Recommendations 1996)' on page 2265 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199668122223)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/photovoltaic-cell/"
}