What is a solar cell? State two uses of solar cells. State whether a solar cell produces a.c. or d.c. Give one disadvantage of using a solar cell.

Solar cell — The device which converts solar energy directly into electricity is called solar cell.

Uses of solar cells are as follows —

1. A large number of solar cells are arranged over a large area to form a solar panel. They are made to collect a large amount of solar energy to produce sufficient electricity.
2. Small solar cells are used in watches and calculators.

A solar cell produces d.c. electricity which cannot be used for many household purposes.

One disadvantage of solar cell is that the initial cost of a solar cell is sufficiently high.