B_H is correct. The cell typically produces a small voltage of approximately 0.7V, although it can provide many 100's of mA in full sunlight. A panel is made up of many cells connected in series and in parallel to enable higher voltages and currents. A panel also includes protection for the cells in the form of glass or plastic so that rain, snow, dust, etc do not damage the individual cells. Cells typically are unprotected and made of silicon in very thin wafers that are easily cracked or broken when stress is placed on them...panels beef up the mechanical protection so that they can be mounted on rooftops. There is a newer film technology cell that can be rolled up...see the link below on this as it is interesting.
2006-07-19 16:58:43
·
answer #1
·
answered by SkyWayGuy 3
·
0⤊
0⤋
Yes, essentially they're the same.
A photovoltaic cell is a single voltage generating cell. A solar panel is a collection of photovoltaic cells connected together.
A single cell is fairly small, difficult to work with, and doesn't generate much power. But when hundreds or thousands of cells are interconnected forming a panel, they can generate large amounts of power and can be conveniently placed in one area. Plus, many cells can be wired in series to generate high voltages, or wired in parallel to generate high currents.
2006-07-19 16:46:48
·
answer #2
·
answered by Anonymous
·
1⤊
0⤋
A solar panel consists of a number of photovoltaic cells.
2006-07-21 06:33:09
·
answer #3
·
answered by sa 7
·
0⤊
0⤋
All the above answers are correct. Photovoltaic cells convert light (photo) to electricity (voltaic). Currently, the efficiency of the cells is low, and not a great deal of energy can be captured from them. They can be electrically connected to increase the voltage produced, but at a low current.
Ouzinki
2006-07-19 19:49:30
·
answer #4
·
answered by Ouzinki 2
·
0⤊
0⤋
1
2017-03-01 23:40:04
·
answer #5
·
answered by Eddie 3
·
0⤊
0⤋
panels are made up of cells...
2006-07-19 17:11:17
·
answer #6
·
answered by wizard 4
·
0⤊
0⤋