What device converts light into electrical power?

The device that converts light into electrical power is a solar cell. Solar cells work on the principle of the photovoltaic effect, where sunlight is absorbed by the semiconductor material within the cell, generating electric currents. The energy from the light causes electrons in the semiconductor to become excited and move, creating a flow of electricity.

This is a key feature of solar cells, especially in renewable energy applications, where harnessing sunlight to produce electrical power is essential. While other devices, such as phototransistors and photodiodes, may respond to light, they do not directly convert light into usable electrical power in the same manner as solar cells. LEDs, on the other hand, emit light when an electric current passes through them, further differentiating their function from that of solar cells.