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solar cell: Quick Facts

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Facts

Also Known As solar cell panel • photovoltaic cell

Photos and Videos

Diagram of a solar cell showing labeled layers, including a front electrical contact grid, antireflection layer, absorber layer, back junction layer, and back electrical contact layer, with arrows indicating light entering and terminals connecting to a circuit.
International Space Station
solar energy; solar cell
Diagram showing a grid-connected solar cell system: solar panels generate electricity sent to a controller, which can charge a battery or supply power to DC and AC loads via converters and inverters, with excess energy sent to the electrical grid.
View from below of a roof structure made of thin-film solar cell panels arranged in a grid pattern with metal framing.
The satellite's solar panels are arrays of solar cells that provide the electrical energy needed for its functions, the power being stored in batteries. Its antennas may be 8 ft (2.5 m) in diameter and may transmit wide-area-of-coverage beams or narrowly focused “spot” beams.
Solar cell
Representation of an electron in a solar cell.
The future of solar power: Multi-junction solar cells
dopant
Learn about California's efforts to promote renewable energy and its eco-boom
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Related Topics and References

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Key People

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Roger Angel
American astronomer