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Solar cells, also known as photovoltaic cells, convert sunlight directly into electric energy through the photovoltaic effect. When sunlight strikes the solar panel, it energizes electrons in the solar cell, creating an electric current. This process makes solar cells a key technology for harnessing renewable energy from the sun, which can then be used to power homes, businesses, and various electrical devices.
Other forms of energy, such as thermal energy, are produced through different processes and are not a direct output of solar cells. Chemical energy is stored in chemical bonds and is released during chemical reactions, while geothermal energy is derived from the heat stored within the Earth's crust. Therefore, in the context of the question, the production of electric energy is the primary function of solar cells, making it the correct response.