This document provides an overview of solar cells, including their history, types, photovoltaic effect, generation process, characteristics curve, efficiency, measurement circuit, applications, and more. It discusses how solar cells convert light energy to electricity via the photovoltaic effect in semiconductors. The development of solar cell technology began in 1839 and silicon-based solar cells were first demonstrated in 1941. Common solar cell types include p-n homojunction, heterojunction, Schottky barrier, and others. Efficiency depends on factors like area, light spectrum, and material properties.