Photovoltaics (PV) is the conversion of light into electricity using semiconducting materials that exhibit the photovoltaic effect, a phenomenon studied in physics, photochemistry, and electrochemistry. The photovoltaic effect is commercially used for electricity generation and as photosensors. Earth receives only a tiny fraction of this radiant power, but it is still vastly more than all of humanity's energy consumption. Understanding how. At a high level, solar panels are made up of solar cells, which absorb sunlight. Explore pioneering discoveries, insightful ideas and new methods from leading researchers in the field.