Updated: Dec 9, 2025 | Source: 2024-2028 Question Pool | Topic: E6F
E6F09E6F

What is the efficiency of a photovoltaic cell?

Deep Dive: E6F09

The correct answer is D: The relative fraction of light that is converted to current. What is the efficiency of a photovoltaic cell is the relative fraction of light that is converted to current. Efficiency is the percentage of light converted to electrical current. For amateur radio operators, this is important for photovoltaic knowledge. Understanding this helps when evaluating solar cells.

Why Other Answers Are Wrong

Option A: Incorrect. Output RF power divided by input DC power isn't efficiency - efficiency is light converted to current. RF/DC power isn't efficiency. Option B: Incorrect. Output in lumens divided by input power isn't efficiency - efficiency is light converted to current. Lumens/power isn't efficiency. Option C: Incorrect. Open-circuit voltage divided by short-circuit current isn't efficiency - efficiency is light converted to current. Voltage/current ratio isn't efficiency.

Exam Tip

Photovoltaic cell efficiency = relative fraction of light converted to current. Think 'P'hotovoltaic 'E'fficiency = 'P'ercentage of 'E'nergy converted (light to current). Efficiency is the percentage of light converted to electrical current. Not RF/DC power, not lumens/power, not voltage/current - just light to current conversion.

Memory Aid

Photovoltaic cell efficiency = relative fraction of light converted to current. Think 'P'hotovoltaic 'E'fficiency = 'L'ight to 'C'urrent. Efficiency is the percentage of light converted to electrical current. Important for photovoltaic knowledge.

Real-World Example

The efficiency of a photovoltaic cell: It's the relative fraction of light that is converted to current. For example, if 20% of the light energy is converted to electrical current, the efficiency is 20%. This is what efficiency is - light to current conversion.

Source & Coverage

Question Pool: 2024-2028 Question Pool

Subelement: E6F

Reference: 2024-2028 Question Pool · E6 - Circuit Components

Key Concepts

Efficiency Photovoltaic cell Relative fraction of light Converted to current

Verified Content

Question from the official FCC Extra Class pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators and mapped to the E6F topic.