(Also known as solar cells.) A photovoltaic cell is made of thin wafers of two slightly different types of silicon. One, doped with tiny quantities of boron, is called P-type (P for positive) and contains positively charged 'holes', which are missing electrons. (Electrons are negatively charged particles that orbit the nuclei of atoms.) The other type of silicon is doped with small amounts of phosphorus and is called N-type (N for negative). It contains extra electrons. Putting these two thin P and N materials together produces a junction which, when exposed to light, will produce a movement of electrons – and that constitutes an electric current. Photovoltaic cells thus convert light energy into electrical energy.

A technology used for electricity generation which is usually large, roof-mounted panels that convert sunlight directly into electricity; these are commonly known as "solar cells."

photovoltaic cells are used to directly convert solar radiation into electricity. Materials called semiconductors, usually made from pure silicon, transfer light energy (photons) into electrical energy in a process known as the photoelectric effect.