Technology
A solar cell , or photovoltaic cell, is the basic unit of a solar panel that converts sunlight directly into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. Solar cells are typically made from semiconductor materials (like silicon) that release electrons when struck by photons of light, creating an electric current. Individually, a single cell produces only a small amount of power (usually around 0.5 volts), but when cells are connected together and framed into modules (panels), they provide useful power levels. The efficiency and quality of solar cells determine how much of the sunlight is converted into electrical energy. Advances in solar cell technology (such as PERC, bifacial, or tandem cells) continue to improve the performance of solar panels.