Editing Electricity generation (section)

=== Photovoltaic effect ===
The [[photovoltaic effect]] is the transformation of light into electrical energy, as in [[solar cell]]s. [[Photovoltaic panel]]s convert sunlight directly to DC electricity. [[Power inverter]]s can then convert that to AC electricity if needed. Although sunlight is free and abundant, [[solar power]] electricity is still usually more expensive to produce than large-scale mechanically generated power due to the cost of the panels.{{Cn|date=June 2022}} Low-efficiency silicon solar cells have been decreasing in cost and multijunction cells with close to 30% conversion efficiency are now commercially available. Over 40% efficiency has been demonstrated in experimental systems.<ref>[http://www.doe.gov/news/4503.htm ''New World Record Achieved in Solar Cell Technology''] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070423030653/http://www.doe.gov/news/4503.htm |date=2007-04-23 }} (press release, 2006-12-05), U.S. Department of Energy.</ref> 

Until recently, photovoltaics were most commonly used in remote sites where there is no access to a commercial power grid, or as a supplemental electricity source for individual homes and businesses. Recent advances in manufacturing efficiency and photovoltaic technology, combined with subsidies driven by environmental concerns, have dramatically accelerated the deployment of solar panels. Installed capacity is growing by around 20% per year<ref name="solar" /> led by increases in Germany, Japan, United States, China, and India.