What are photovoltaic (PV) cells?
Photovoltaic (or PV) devices or systems convert light energy into electricity. The term “photo” is a stem from the Greek “phos,” which means “light.” “Volt” is named for Alessandro Volta (1745-1827), a pioneer in the study of electricity. “Photo-voltaic,” then, could literally mean “light-electricity.” PV cells are already an important part of our lives. They power many of the small calculators and wrist watches we use every day. PV cells are built of semiconductor material that directly converts sunlight into electricity. PV cells have no moving part – power is produced when sunlight strikes the semiconductor material and creates an electric current.
