What does a photovoltaic cell do?

A photovoltaic cell is a device that directly converts sunlight into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. When light photons strike the surface of the cell, they excite the electrons in the semiconductor material, creating electron-hole pairs. These free electrons are then collected by electrodes, generating a flow of electric current.

It is essential to understand that photovoltaic cells do not store electrical energy; that function is fulfilled by batteries or capacitors. While they do not increase voltage themselves, the electric output from a series of these cells can be combined to achieve the desired voltage for practical applications. Similarly, regulating current in solar circuits is not a function of the photovoltaic cell but an aspect managed by various electronic components in the system, such as inverters or charge controllers. Therefore, the most accurate description of a photovoltaic cell's function is its ability to convert sunlight into electricity.