Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Solar energy conversion technologies are categorized into solar thermal and direct solar photovoltaic systems.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Photovoltaic (PV) cells are semiconductor p-n junction devices (typically made of doped silicon) that exploit the photovoltaic effect.
When incident solar photons with energy exceeding the semiconductor bandgap strike the cell, electron-hole pairs are generated, producing direct current (DC) electrical energy directly from sunlight.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Hence, solar energy is converted directly into electricity via photovoltaic cells.