Which technology directly converts sunlight into electricity using semiconductors?

• A. Photovoltaic (PV) solar panel
• B. Concentrated solar thermal
• C. Biofuel
• D. Wind turbine

Answer: (A)

Sunlight directly converted to electricity via semiconductors happens through the photovoltaic effect. When photons strike a semiconductor like silicon, they create electron-hole pairs. The built-in electric field at the p-n junction then separates these charges, producing a current that can be drawn off as electricity. Solar panels pile many of these cells together to generate usable DC power directly from light, without an intermediate heat engine or chemical energy step. The other options rely on turning sunlight into heat (concentrated solar thermal), storing energy as chemical energy in biomass (biofuel), or using wind energy (wind turbine), none of which convert light to electricity through semiconductors in a single direct step.