solar cell

noun

: a photovoltaic cell used as a power source

Examples of solar cell in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
If enough surface area can be covered with solar cells, the company estimates that a vehicle could generate as much as 10 kWh of electricity per day. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026 China is also investing heavily in the development of next-generation solar cells, Davidson says. — Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 18 Aug. 2026 How Stella Juva runs on sunlight The roof of Stella Juva is covered with high-efficiency solar cells made by AIKO. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 16 Aug. 2026 Chinese export volumes of solar cells, which make up solar panels, jumped 73 percent in the first half of 2025 on a year-over-year basis, while the average unit price of those cells dropped by roughly 25 percent year-over-year. — Michael B. G. Froman, Foreign Affairs, 13 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for solar cell

See All Rhymes for solar cell

Browse Nearby Words

solar battery
solar cell
solar collector
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Solar cell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/solar%20cell. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about solar cell

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