Photovoltaics
OverviewSolar cellsEtymologyHistoryPerformance and degradationManufacturing of PV systemsEconomicsGrowth
Photovoltaics are best known as a method for generating electric power by using solar cells to convert energy from the sun into a flow of electrons by the photovoltaic effect. Solar cells produce direct current electricity from sunlight which can be used to power equipment or to recharge batteries. The first practical application of pho