A group of individual solar cells connected together in a definite pattern to increase the overall output is called what?

Introduction / Context:
Solar energy systems commonly use many small photovoltaic cells combined to produce useful levels of electrical power. A single solar cell produces only a small voltage and current. To power homes, street lights, pumps, or other loads, many cells are connected together in an arranged structure. Understanding the correct name for this combined arrangement is important for basic general knowledge about renewable energy and its practical implementation.

Given Data / Assumptions:
• Many individual solar cells are connected together. • The cells are arranged in a definite pattern, usually series and parallel combinations. • The goal is to increase the total power output and voltage or current level. • The context is basic solar energy terminology.

Concept / Approach:
A single photovoltaic cell converts sunlight into a small amount of electrical power. By connecting many such cells in series and parallel, we create a larger unit called a solar panel or solar cell panel. When several panels are further connected together in the field, they may form a solar array. A battery is a device that stores electrical energy chemically, not a direct generator from sunlight. Solar heaters and solar cookers are thermal devices that mainly use the heat from sunlight rather than directly converting it into electricity. Therefore, the correct term for a group of solar cells joined together in a definite pattern is solar cell panel.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that a solar cell is the basic photovoltaic unit that produces electricity from light. Step 2: Recognise that a practical power source for homes or devices requires many solar cells wired together. Step 3: The standard name for the resulting assembly of cells is a solar panel or solar cell panel. Step 4: Compare with other devices: batteries store energy, while solar heaters and solar cookers mainly use sunlight for heating. Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is solar cell panel.

Verification / Alternative check:
Products sold for rooftop installations are usually described as solar panels of a certain watt rating, such as 250 W solar panels. Technical descriptions mention that each panel contains many individual photovoltaic cells connected in series and parallel to achieve a desired voltage and current. When multiple panels are installed, the structure becomes a solar array, but the basic group of cells is called a panel. This confirms that solar cell panel is the accepted term.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option a (Battery): A battery stores electrical energy in chemical form and is charged by a panel, but it is not itself a group of solar cells. Option b (Solar heater): A solar heater uses sunlight to heat water or air and does not generate electrical energy directly. Option c (Solar cooker): A solar cooker concentrates sunlight to cook food by heat; again it is a thermal device, not a photovoltaic assembly. Option e (Inverter): An inverter converts direct current (DC) from solar panels or batteries into alternating current (AC), but it is an electronic device, not a collection of solar cells.

Common Pitfalls:
Sometimes learners mix up the terms solar panel, solar array, and solar battery. A quick memory aid is: solar cell is the smallest unit, solar panel is many cells in one module, solar array is many panels installed together, and battery is for storage. Distinguishing these helps in understanding basic solar power system diagrams and exam questions.

Final Answer:
A group of solar cells joined together in a definite pattern is called a Solar cell panel.