Photovoltaic Cells Key Terms

Learn the key terms to describe photovoltaic cells

By Emmet McMahan

A photovoltaic cell refers to a device that converts light from an unspecified source directly into electricity. Photovoltaic cells that are specifically designed to use light from the sun may also be called solar cells. Manufacturers also may use other names to refer to assemblies of solar cells, such as solar arrays, solar modules, solar panels or photovoltaic arrays. First generation solar cells comprise the great majority of solar cells in commercial use and are currently approaching the theoretical efficiency limit of 33 percent.

Photovoltaic Array (PVA)

A PVA consists of a group of photovoltaic modules that function as a single unit. A photovoltaic module is an interconnected assembly of individual photovoltaic cells that may also be called a solar panel.
Try: The U.S. Department of Energy provides extensive resources on photovoltaic cells, including a glossary of terms, such as photovoltaic array.

Open circuit voltage

The open circuit voltage of a photovoltaic cell is the maximum voltage that it produces without a load. This value is a common measure of performance for voltaic cells.
Try: Sandia National Laboratories actively promotes the use of photovoltaic cells and offers a glossary of common terms that relate to photovoltaic cells, including open circuit voltage.

Direct current (DC)

DC current refers to an electrical current with constant direction and magnitude. Photovoltaic cells produce DC current, which must be converted into DC current for household use.
Try: Solar City installs solar panels that use photovoltaic cells and also defines a variety of terms that relate to photovoltaic cells, such as direct current.

Photovoltaic effect

The photovoltaic effect occurs when electrons are emitted from matter after it is struck by photons. Photovoltaic cells use this phenomenon to produce electricity.
Try: Semiconductor Glossary offers a variety of resources for photovoltaic cells, including a definition of the photovoltaic effect.

Bypass diode

A bypass diode connects the solar cells in a photovoltaic module. This may serve several purposes, usually to protect them from overheating. Bypass diodes are an essential component of photovoltaic cells.
Try: Big Frog Mountain offers solar energy products, such as photovoltaic cells, and also has a glossary of related terms like bypass diode.

Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPVs)

BIPVs must be carefully positioned to make maximum use of the available sunlight throughout the year. These assemblies of photovoltaic cells perform most efficiently when sunlight strikes the cells at a right angle.
Try: Sunlight Electric designs systems that contains photovoltaic cells and also offers a glossary of terms that relate to solar energy, including BIPV.