Photovoltaic cells look similar to solar panels but they work in a different way. Solar panels are use to produce hot water or even steam. Photovoltaic panels convert the sunlight directly into electricity. A typical example of a device powered by photovoltaic cells is a solar powered calculator.This type of device only needs a small amount of electrical power to work and can even be used in a room with artificial light (bulbs / fluorescent light).he batteries power the phone during the night. Often photovoltaic cells are used as a backup to conventional energy. If conventional fails the cells are used to produce electricity. Silicon is a material known as a semiconductor as it conducts electricity and it is the main material for photovoltaic cells.