Definition
A semiconductor device that converts light energy directly into electrical energy. When sunlight strikes the cell, it frees electrons in the semiconductor material, producing a small DC voltage and current that can be used to power equipment or charge a battery.
Plain English
A small device that turns sunlight directly into electricity.
Context Anchor
Seen in discussions of solar panels, light-powered aircraft equipment, and some electrical power systems.
Derivation
From Greek 'photo-' meaning light, and 'voltaic' from Alessandro Volta, the inventor of the electric battery. Together it literally means 'light-electricity cell' — which is exactly what it does.
Why Pilots Care
A pilot may encounter photovoltaic cells in solar-powered chargers, aircraft-mounted solar panels, or equipment that uses light as a power source. Knowing the term helps distinguish a light-powered source from a battery that only stores power.
Intuition Check
A photovoltaic cell is not simply a battery. It makes electricity from light; a battery stores electricity for later use.
Example Sentence 1
The aircraft's emergency locator transmitter used a photovoltaic cell to keep its backup battery topped up during daylight hours.
Example Sentence 2
Maintenance included inspecting the photovoltaic cells for cracks that could impair their ability to charge the batteries.