A silicon cell and a PV (photovoltaic) cell are essentially the same thing. "PV cell" is just a shorthand or abbreviation for "photovoltaic cell." Both terms refer to the same type of device that converts sunlight directly into electricity using the photovoltaic effect.

The photovoltaic effect is a phenomenon where certain materials, such as silicon, generate an electric current when exposed to light. This is the fundamental principle behind solar energy generation in photovoltaic systems.

Silicon is the most commonly used material in PV cells due to its favorable properties, including its ability to efficiently convert sunlight into electricity. There are mainly two types of silicon PV cells:

Monocrystalline Silicon Cells: 

These cells are made from a single crystal structure of silicon. They have a high efficiency rate and a uniform appearance due to their manufacturing process, but they can be relatively expensive.

Polycrystalline Silicon Cells: 

These cells are made from multiple crystals of silicon. They are less expensive to produce than monocrystalline cells but have slightly lower efficiency and a speckled appearance.

Both types of silicon PV cells work by allowing photons (light particles) to strike the silicon atoms, which then release electrons, generating an electric current. This current can be collected and used as electricity to power various devices or be fed into the electrical grid.

In summary, there is no difference between a silicon cell and a PV cell. Silicon cells are the most prevalent and widely used photovoltaic technology, and they are the backbone of solar panels used for converting sunlight into electrical energy.