Solar cells are devices that convert sunlight into electricity using a process called the photovoltaic effect. They are the fundamental building blocks of solar panels and are responsible for generating usable electrical power from sunlight.

Solar cells are typically made from semiconductor materials, most commonly silicon, which allows them to absorb sunlight and release electrons to create an electric current. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, photovoltaic (PV) cells convert sunlight directly into electricity through interactions between light and semiconductor materials¹.

How solar cells work

Solar cells generate electricity by converting light energy into electrical energy.

Process:

• Sunlight hits the solar cell

• The semiconductor material absorbs photons (light particles)

• Electrons are released and begin to flow

• This flow of electrons creates direct current (DC) electricity

Multiple solar cells are connected together to form a solar panel, which increases total energy output.

What solar cells are made of

Most solar cells are made from silicon, a durable and widely available semiconductor material.

Common materials include:

• Monocrystalline silicon

• Polycrystalline silicon

• Thin-film materials (such as cadmium telluride or amorphous silicon)

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory notes that silicon-based solar cells dominate the market due to their efficiency, reliability, and long lifespan².

Types of solar cells

Solar cells come in several types, each with different performance characteristics.

Monocrystalline cells

• Made from a single crystal structure

• Typically higher efficiency

• Common in residential systems

Polycrystalline cells

• Made from multiple silicon fragments

• Slightly lower efficiency but often more cost-effective

Thin-film cells

• Lightweight and flexible

• Lower efficiency but useful for certain applications

Each type is selected based on factors like space, budget, and performance goals.

Why solar cells matter in home solar systems

Solar cells are the core technology that enables solar energy generation.

They determine:

• How efficiently sunlight is converted into electricity

• How much energy a system can produce

• Overall system performance over time

With providers like Sunrun, solar systems are designed using high-quality solar cells configured into panels that meet the energy needs of each home.

Solar cells vs. solar panels

These terms are related but not interchangeable:

• Solar cell: a single unit that converts sunlight into electricity

• Solar panel: a group of connected solar cells working together

A typical residential solar panel contains many individual solar cells combined to produce meaningful power output.

Takeaways

• Solar cells convert sunlight into electricity using the photovoltaic effect

• They are made from semiconductor materials, most commonly silicon

• Multiple solar cells form a solar panel

• Different types of cells offer different efficiency and cost tradeoffs

• Solar cells are the foundation of all solar energy systems