What is a photovoltaic cell and how does it work?

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A photovoltaic solar cell is a mechanism for converting light energy from the sun into electrical energy by means of the **photoelectric or photovoltaic effect**. This effect allows photons of light to be absorbed and converted into electrons. When exposed to solar radiation, a photovoltaic cell gets all excited and creates electricity.

A set of photovoltaic solar cells connected together as a circuit are known as solar panels. [**Solar panel installations**](https://www.holaluz.com/en/solar-panels/) on roofs allow these surfaces to be transformed into "small power plants" producing renewable energy. On top of being beneficial for the planet and helping us all move towards a **sustainable energy model**, they also help you **save on your electricity bill**. [**Check it out!**](https://sumatutejado.holaluz.com/es/)

To better understand what a photovoltaic cell is and how it works, it's important to look at the elements which it's made up of. A solar cell consists of different layers of materials, with **semiconductors** being the main component. The semiconductors in a solar cell are generally made of silicon and are responsible for interacting with the sun's photons to generate the electrical current that we use in our domestic and industrial consumption.

Finally, to understand how a solar photovoltaic cell works, it's useful to understand **its lifespan**. The average lifespan of a solar cell at maximum efficiency is around **25-30 years**, which is also the typical lifespan of the solar panels in a solar photovoltaic system. More than enough time to turn your roof into [an endless source of renewable energy](https://www.holaluz.com/blog/empieza-revolucion-tejados/) that allows you to save and share the electricity generated with the whole world.

What is a photovoltaic cell and how does it work?

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