A solar cell, or photovoltaic cell, is a device converting the energy of solar radiation into electricity directly. Table 1374 indicates there has been a rapid growth of solar installation capacity in recent years. Figure 1374a shows the production cost versus cell efficiency of solar cell technology. Figure 1374b shows solar panels which are designed to absorb the sun's rays as a source of energy for generating electricity in solar cells.

Table 1374. 2005 photovoltaic solar installation capacity worldwide.