What is the main application of photovoltaic cells?

Photovoltaic cells are primarily designed for the purpose of converting sunlight directly into electricity. This process is known as the photovoltaic effect, where materials such as silicon absorb photons from sunlight and release electrons, generating electric current. This technology is fundamental in the development of solar panels, which harness solar energy for various applications, including residential, commercial, and industrial electricity generation.

While amplifying electrical signals and transmitting radio waves are critical functions in electronics and communication technologies, they do not pertain to the operation of photovoltaic cells. Additionally, storing solar energy is typically accomplished through batteries or other storage systems rather than through the photovoltaic cells themselves, which facilitate the conversion of sunlight into usable electrical energy. Therefore, the main application of photovoltaic cells is their ability to generate electricity from sunlight directly.