IXYS Corporation Photovoltaic Cells 3

Photovoltaic cells, also known as solar cells, are electronic devices that convert sunlight into electricity. They are made from semiconductor materials, such as silicon, and are widely used in a variety of applications, including in solar panels, calculators, and remote sensors.

Photovoltaic cells work by using the energy from photons in sunlight to create an electric current. When light hits the photovoltaic cell, it causes electrons in the semiconductor material to be released, creating an electric current. This current can be used to power electronic devices or stored in batteries for later use.

One of the advantages of photovoltaic cells is their ability to produce electricity without any moving parts or emissions. They are a clean and renewable source of energy and do not produce any greenhouse gases or other harmful pollutants.

Another advantage of photovoltaic cells is their versatility. They can be used in a wide range of applications, from powering small electronic devices to providing electricity for homes and businesses.

One of the disadvantages of photovoltaic cells is their relatively low efficiency compared to other types of energy sources. They are not able to convert all of the energy from sunlight into electricity and require large surface areas to generate significant amounts of power.