Photovoltaic Cells

Definition: Devices that convert light directly into electricity using semiconducting materials.

Relevance to energy: Photovoltaic cells are the primary components of solar panels, enabling the generation of clean, renewable electricity from sunlight.

‍

Benefits:

• Produces clean, renewable energy
• No moving parts, leading to low maintenance
• Can be integrated into various products and building materials

Drawbacks:

• Efficiency can be affected by weather and shading
• Manufacturing process can be energy-intensive
• Requires proper disposal or recycling at end-of-life

‍

Statistics: According to the International Energy Agency, the global installed capacity of solar PV grew from 23 GW in 2009 to 760 GW in 2020, becoming one of the fastest-growing renewable energy technologies.