Photovoltaic cell

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-020955",
  "term": "Photovoltaic cell",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "1. A device that converts energy from sunlight into electricity. Photovoltaic cells use a material such as silicon, which is called a semi-conductor.\n\n2. A silicon or other conductive material cell that converts sunlight directly into electricity. When sunlight hits the cells, a chemical reaction occurs, resulting in the release of electricity. Solar panels are an example of a photovoltaic system.\n\n3. An electronic device consisting of layers of semiconductor materials fabricated to form a junction (adjacent layers of materials with different electronic characteristics) and electrical contacts and being capable of converting incident light directly into electricity (direct current).\n\n4. The smallest semiconductor element within a PV module to perform the immediate conversion of light into electrical energy (direct current voltage and current). Also called a solar cell.",
  "abbreviation": "PVC (Energy)",
  "subject": "Climate change",
  "references": [
    "Student's Guide to Global Climate Change",
    "Adapted from Top Green Home Terms",
    "DOE Energy Information Administration Glossary",
    "DOE Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy Solar Energy Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/photovoltaic-cell/"
}