Solar cells, also called photovoltaic cells, convert sunlight directly into electricity. Photovoltaics (often shortened as PV) gets its name from the process of converting light (photons) to electricity (voltage), which is called the photovoltaic effect.

What does solar PV mean?

The U.S. Department of Energy's solar energy glossary contains definitions for technical terms related to solar energy, electricity, and power generation by technologies like photovoltaics (PV) and concentrating solar-thermal power (CSP).

How does PV solar work?

Solar PV cells generate electricity by absorbing sunlight and using that light energy to create an electrical current. There are many photovoltaic cells within a single solar panel, and the current created by all of the cells together adds up to enough electricity to help power your home.