solar cell

noun

: a photovoltaic cell used as a power source

Examples of solar cell in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Computer simulation and machine learning have provided new insights into a family of solar cell materials called halide perovskites. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2025 In crude mines across Central and Sub-Saharan Africa, hands that should hold pencils and schoolbooks hammer rocks and search for the minerals that power electric vehicle batteries, solar cells, and wind turbines. Xanthe Scharff, Time, 22 Sep. 2025 LONGi has invested heavily in R&D to make solar cells more efficient, contributing to a 90% decrease in panel costs since the early 2010s. Elisabeth Brier, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025 Photovoltaic energy—which converts sunlight into electricity using solar cells—is part of the firm’s commitment to transition to 100 percent renewable energy sources. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 26 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for solar cell

Word History

First Known Use

1955, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of solar cell was in 1955

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Cite this Entry

“Solar cell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/solar%20cell. Accessed 3 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

solar cell

noun
: a photoelectric cell that converts sunlight into electrical energy and is used as a power source

More from Merriam-Webster on solar cell

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