photovoltaic cell: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical, Academic
Quick answer
What does “photovoltaic cell” mean?
A device that converts light energy (sunlight) directly into electrical energy.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A device that converts light energy (sunlight) directly into electrical energy.
The basic building block of a photovoltaic (PV) system, typically made of semiconductor materials like silicon, which generates a flow of electric current when exposed to light. Often grouped into panels or arrays.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling of compounds uses single word 'photovoltaic' in both.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations.
Frequency
Usage is consistent across varieties; term prevalence correlates with solar energy industry development.
Grammar
How to Use “photovoltaic cell” in a Sentence
The photovoltaic cell [converts/transforms] [light/sunlight] into [electricity/power].A [new/efficient] photovoltaic cell [was developed/is installed].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “photovoltaic cell” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The system will be photovoltaicised. (rare/neologism)
American English
- The roof was outfitted to photovoltaicly generate power. (rare/technical)
adjective
British English
- The photovoltaic cell array was expanded.
- They conducted a photovoltaic efficiency test.
American English
- The photovoltaic cell installation was completed.
- We need a photovoltaic performance report.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
A key component in our renewable energy portfolio; investing in advanced photovoltaic cell manufacturing.
Academic
The study examined the quantum efficiency of the novel perovskite photovoltaic cell.
Everyday
The panels on our roof are made up of lots of small photovoltaic cells.
Technical
The p-n junction within the photovoltaic cell creates an electric field necessary for charge carrier separation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “photovoltaic cell”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “photovoltaic cell”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “photovoltaic cell”
- Incorrect plural: 'photovoltaics cell' (should be 'photovoltaic cells').
- Misspelling: 'photovoltic', 'photovoltiac'.
- Confusing it with a solar thermal panel, which heats fluid.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A photovoltaic cell is a single unit. A solar panel (or module) is an assembly of many photovoltaic cells connected together and sealed for protection.
Most commercial photovoltaic cells are made from silicon, either monocrystalline, polycrystalline, or amorphous. Emerging technologies use materials like perovskites, cadmium telluride (CdTe), or copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS).
Yes, but at reduced efficiency. They convert visible light, so they still generate power from diffuse daylight, though not as much as in direct sunlight.
Most manufacturers guarantee their photovoltaic cells will produce over 80% of their original power after 25-30 years of use, though they can continue functioning much longer.
A device that converts light energy (sunlight) directly into electrical energy.
Photovoltaic cell is usually technical, academic in register.
Photovoltaic cell: in British English it is pronounced /ˌfəʊ.təʊ.vɒlˈteɪ.ɪk ˈsel/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌfoʊ.t̬oʊ.vɑːlˈteɪ.ɪk ˈsel/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
PHOTO (light) + VOLTAIC (electricity, from Volta) = a CELL that turns light into electricity.
Conceptual Metaphor
AN ENERGY HARVESTER (e.g., The cell harvests photons from sunlight).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a photovoltaic cell?