--- title: Photovoltaic Cell (PVC) | Definition, How It Works, Types, Pros & Cons description: A photovoltaic cell is the backbone of solar energy technology. Learn what it is, how it works, and some of its benefits and drawbacks. image: https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/hubfs/Photovoltaic_Cell_(PVC).png --- [![Carbon collective](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/CarbonCollective_August2021%20copy/images/carbon-collective-green-investing-logo-white.4f6047d4.svg "Carbon collective")](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/) - About - Employers - [Sustainable 401(k)](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/401k) - [401(k) Comparison Tool](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/401k/plan-comparison-tool) - Individuals - [FAQ](https://www.carboncollective.co/en/knowledge/faqs) - [ETF](https://www.carboncollectivefunds.com/) - Learn - [Sustainable Investing](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing) - [Investing Basics](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing/investing-basics) - [Blog](https://blog.carboncollective.co/) - [Tools](https://tools.carboncollective.co/calculator/) - Log in - [Carbon Collective](https://app.carboncollective.co) - [Altruist](https://app.altruist.com) [Talk to a human](https://ask.carboncollective.co/f4o5dylkg) [Sign up](https://app.carboncollective.co/sign-up) [Log In](http://app.carboncollective.co/) [![Carbon collective](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/CarbonCollective_August2021%20copy/images/carbon-collective-green-investing-logo.53b28bee.svg "Carbon collective")](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/) - About - Employers - [Sustainable 401(k)](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/401k) - [401(k) Comparison Tool](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/401k/plan-comparison-tool) - Individuals - [FAQ](https://www.carboncollective.co/en/knowledge/faqs) - [ETF](https://www.carboncollectivefunds.com/) - Learn - [Sustainable Investing](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing) - [Investing Basics](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing/investing-basics) - [Blog](https://blog.carboncollective.co/) - [Tools](https://tools.carboncollective.co/calculator/) - Log in - [Carbon Collective](https://app.carboncollective.co) - [Altruist](https://app.altruist.com) [Talk to a human](https://ask.carboncollective.co/f4o5dylkg) [Sign up](https://app.carboncollective.co/sign-up) [Log In](http://app.carboncollective.co/) **[Home](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/) > [Sustainable Investing](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/sustainable-investing) >** Photovoltaic Cell (PVC) # Photovoltaic Cell (PVC) ![](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/hubfs/zach-stein.jpeg) Written by Zach Stein | Reviewed by [Subject Matter Experts](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/subject-matter-experts) Updated on October 1, 2024 Fact Checked Why Trust Carbon Collective? ### Table of Contents ## **What Is a Photovoltaic Cell (PVC)?** When thinking about [solar energy](https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/how-does-solar-work), photovoltaic cells (PVC), also known as PV cells or solar cells, come to mind. The [semiconductor of photovoltaic cells is usually made of silicon](https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/education/resources/highschool/chemmatters/past-issues/archive-2013-2014/how-a-solar-cell-works.html) and generates electricity when exposed to sunlight. It relies on the [photovoltaic effect](https://energyeducation.ca/encyclopedia/Photovoltaic_effect), which is the tendency of semiconductors to generate a small electric current when exposed to sunlight. PV cells are the individual units that make up solar panels and allow users to convert sunlight into electricity. Photovoltaic cells (PVCs) are arranged in series or parallel circuits depending on the application. Its power is typically used as a supplemental or backup energy source. ## **Photovoltaic Cell Effect** The photovoltaic effect is the physical process by which solar cells convert light (photons) into electricity (voltage). Photons in light are absorbed by semiconductors, causing electrons to become excited and move away from the photovoltaic cell's negative terminal. Electrons will flow through the photovoltaic cell so long as it is exposed to sunlight or other external energy sources. The PVC cell then releases clean and quiet energy without pollutants or emissions. ## **How a Photovoltaic Cell Works** When photons are released and emitted by the Sun, the [photovoltaic cell absorbs them and generates the flow of electrons](https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/solar/photovoltaics-and-electricity.php). When these photons are absorbed by the semiconductor of the PV cell, which has both p-type and n-type, the electrons move to the positive side (p-type) while the hole moves to the negative side (n-type). This causes the opposite movement of the negatively charged particle and the positively charged particle. It then flows to the external circuit in an electrical energy form, which produces a direct current. ## **Photovoltaic Cell Efficiency** Photovoltaic cells' efficiency is measured using the "efficiency ratio", representing how much sunlight hits the surface and generates electricity. The most efficient photovoltaic cells have an efficiency ratio of around 33 percent, referred to as the [Shockley-Queisser limit](https://www.universitywafer.com/what-is-the-shockley-queisser-limit.html). ## **What Is a Photovoltaic Cell System?** Photovoltaic systems are used for [non-polluting](https://www.acciona.com/renewable-energy/solar-energy/photovoltaic/?_adin=02021864894), alternative energy generation that does not use chemicals or fuels. They produce no waste and represent an inexhaustible source of energy. A basic PV system comprises the following components: ### **Solar Panels** Collect visible light from the Sun and convert it to electricity. The type of electricity current solar panels use is direct current (DC). ### **Charge Controller** This is an important layer of PV cells since it controls the amount of electricity being transmitted in the batteries. This means that it ensures that the batteries of the PV cells are prevented from storing an excessive amount of energy to avoid overcharging. ### **Rechargeable Batteries** These are the secondary power sources for photovoltaic systems. Their purpose is to store excess energy from photovoltaic cells to use at any time. ### **Power Inverter** It converts direct current (DC) provided by photovoltaic cells into alternating current (AC), needed for appliances at home and in businesses. ## **Types of Photovoltaic Cell** ## ![Types_of_Photovoltaic_Cell](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Types_of_Photovoltaic_Cell.png?width=1920&name=Types_of_Photovoltaic_Cell.png) ### **Monocrystalline Silicon Cell** [Monocrystalline photovoltaic cells](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/small-biz/productline/power-generation/monocrystalline-solar-panel-solar-cells-that-have-longevity-up-to-30-years/articleshow/69140542.cms) have a long history of successful use in Earth-orbiting spacecraft. They are typically made from a single crystal or monocrystalline and can be mass-produced with high yield. Monocrystalline photovoltaic cells consist of large, highly ordered grains that provide excellent electronic properties. ### **Polycrystalline Photovoltaic Cells** [Polycrystalline photovoltaic cells](https://www.forbes.com/advisor/home-improvement/monocrystalline-vs-polycrystalline-solar-panels/) comprise several small crystals or grains. They are more efficient at high temperatures and have a higher current rating than monocrystalline photovoltaic cells. ### **Thin-Film Cells** It is possible to use [thin layers of semiconductor material on a substrate](https://ases.org/thin-film-solar-panels/), such as glass or plastic. Although thin-film photovoltaic cells are less efficient than monocrystalline or polycrystalline photovoltaic cells, they are lighter and more flexible. They can be produced at a low temperature on a continuous roll-to-roll process that makes them ideal for roofs, building facades, cars, planes, boats, and other structures where weight is an issue. ### **High-Efficiency Cells** High-efficiency photovoltaic cells are typically made from III-V compound semiconductors, such as gallium arsenide (GaAs), instead of silicon. [GaAs photovoltaic cells](https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/73981) are generally more expensive to manufacture than silicon photovoltaic cells, but they can be efficient enough to justify the cost. ## **Layers of Photovoltaic Cells** Since a PV cell is a system, it comprises different layers. ### **![Layers_of_Photovoltaic_Cells](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Layers_of_Photovoltaic_Cells.png?width=1920&name=Layers_of_Photovoltaic_Cells.png)** ### **Semiconductor Layer** This layer is made of silicon. Photons with enough energy release electrons from atoms, which generate electrical current. ### **Conducting Material Layer** This layer is made of metal. It allows electrical currents to flow between all the cells in a PV circuit. ### **Anti-Reflection Coating Layer** Photons that bounce off or get reflected by the PV cell do not contribute to electricity generation, so the coating reduces reflection and increases efficiency. ## **Advantages and Disadvantages of PVC** There are several advantages and disadvantages of using PV cells. ### **Advantages** - They have modular features - They can generate electricity at the point of use - They require minimal maintenance - They release clean and quiet energy without any non-pollutants - They are a great option for electricity supply in developing countries where there is abundant sunlight and a largely rural population without the proper infrastructure to develop an electrical grid - They are not restricted by size and can be made as large as desired - They do not require fuel to be burned - They provide a renewable source of energy ### **Disadvantages of Photovoltaics** - They are not suitable for water heating or other heat-related appliances - They are complex and tricky to install - They are expensive to install - The presence of clouds can affect electricity generation adversely by reducing the amount of sunlight reaching photovoltaic cells ## **The Bottom Line** Photovoltaic cells are devices that absorb the energy of photons and convert it into electricity. There are three types of photovoltaic cells: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film. A photovoltaic cell is made up of layers comprising the semiconductor layer, the conducting material layer, and the anti-reflection coating layer. Based on the advantages and disadvantages of photovoltaics, it can be concluded that a PV cell, as an alternative energy source, is very promising. However, photovoltaic systems are expensive to install, so they need to have proper incentives supported by governmental policies in order to become more economical in their application. ## **FAQs** ### 1. What is a photovoltaic cell (PVC)? Photovoltaic cells are PV modules that generate electricity when photovoltaic modules are illuminated with sunlight. Photovoltaic cells can be connected to form photovoltaic modules, which are installed in photovoltaic power packs for homes and businesses. ### 2. What is a photovoltaic system? A photovoltaic system is a photovoltaic power pack for homes and businesses. Photovoltaic systems have photovoltaic cells connected to photovoltaic modules, which are connected to photovoltaic power packs that can power entire buildings. ### 3. How does a photovoltaic cell work? Photons from sunlight excite photovoltaic cells, which create electricity. Photovoltaic cells can generate electricity for an entire building using photovoltaic modules connected to photovoltaic power packs. ### 4. What is a photovoltaic power plant? A photovoltaic power plant generates electricity from photovoltaic cells. Photovoltaic power plants are large or small, depending on usage and energy requirements. ### 5. How are photovoltaic cells made? 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