Updated: Dec 9, 2025 | Source: 2024-2028 Question Pool | Topic: E6F
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What is the approximate open-circuit voltage produced by a fully illuminated silicon photovoltaic cell?

Deep Dive: E6F11

The correct answer is A: 0.5 volts. What is the approximate open-circuit voltage produced by a fully illuminated silicon photovoltaic cell is 0.5 volts. Silicon solar cells produce about 0.5V open-circuit. For amateur radio operators, this is important for photovoltaic knowledge. Understanding this helps when working with solar cells.

Why Other Answers Are Wrong

Option B (0.7 volts): Incorrect. 0.7V is too high - silicon cells produce about 0.5V open-circuit. 0.7V is wrong. Option C (1.1 volts): Incorrect. 1.1V is too high - silicon cells produce about 0.5V open-circuit. 1.1V is wrong. Option D (1.5 volts): Incorrect. 1.5V is too high - silicon cells produce about 0.5V open-circuit. 1.5V is wrong.

Exam Tip

Silicon photovoltaic cell open-circuit voltage = 0.5 volts. Think 'S'ilicon 'P'hotovoltaic = '0'.5V. Silicon solar cells produce about 0.5V open-circuit. Not 0.7V, not 1.1V, not 1.5V - just 0.5 volts.

Memory Aid

Silicon photovoltaic cell open-circuit voltage = 0.5 volts. Think 'S'ilicon 'P'hotovoltaic = '0'.5V. Silicon solar cells produce about 0.5V open-circuit. Important for photovoltaic knowledge.

Real-World Example

A fully illuminated silicon photovoltaic cell: The approximate open-circuit voltage produced is 0.5 volts. This is why multiple cells are connected in series to get higher voltages. This is the voltage - 0.5 volts open-circuit.

Source & Coverage

Question Pool: 2024-2028 Question Pool

Subelement: E6F

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

Key Concepts

Approximate open-circuit voltage Fully illuminated Silicon photovoltaic cell 0.5 volts

Verified Content

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