solar cell
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solar cell
An electronic component that converts sunlight directly into electrical energy. Several solar cells are often connected together to form a larger solar panel.
Das Dach des Hauses ist mit hunderten von Solarzellen bedeckt, um Strom zu erzeugen.
The roof of the house is covered with hundreds of solar cells to generate electricity.
The word is composed of 'Solar-' (from Latin 'sol' for sun) and 'Zelle' (cell). So it literally means 'sun cell'.
Eine einzelne Solarzelle erzeugt nur sehr wenig Strom.
A single solar cell generates only very little electricity.
The component 'Solar-' is used for many words in the field of solar energy. When you see 'Solar-', the word almost always has something to do with the sun, as in 'Solarenergie' (solar energy) or 'Solaranlage' (solar power system).
Eine Solaranlage besteht aus vielen einzelnen Solarzellen.
A solar power system consists of many individual solar cells.
Common verbs in connection with solar cells are 'installieren' (to install), 'montieren' (to mount), or 'produzieren' (to produce). They are often found in combinations like 'Solarzellen auf dem Dach' (solar cells on the roof).
Die Firma installiert Solarzellen auf privaten und gewerblichen Gebäuden.
The company installs solar cells on private and commercial buildings.
photovoltaics
'die Photovoltaik' and 'die Solarzelle' both belong to the topic of electricity from sunlight. They can be confused because solar cells are used in photovoltaics. The difference is: 'Photovoltaik' refers to the whole technology or process. 'Solarzelle' refers to an individual component that converts light into electricity. Many solar cells together often form a solar panel. When you are talking about the method or a form of energy, 'Photovoltaik' fits. When you are talking about the specific technical part, 'Solarzelle' fits.
Eine Solarzelle in dem kleinen Rechner liefert genug Strom für das Display.
A solar cell in the small calculator provides enough electricity for the display.
Auf dem Dach der Schule wird Photovoltaik genutzt, um Strom zu erzeugen.
Photovoltaics is used on the roof of the school to generate electricity.