What is the most common material used in power-generating photovoltaic cells?

Photovoltaic (solar) cells require a semiconductor material to absorb photons and generate an electric current. Silicon is by far the most common material used for this purpose because of its excellent efficiency, durability, and relatively low manufacturing cost. While other materials mentioned in the options do have light-sensitive properties, they are not primarily used for bulk power generation. For example, selenium was historically used in early photographic light meters, and cadmium sulfide is commonly used in photoresistors. Because silicon strikes the best balance between energy conversion efficiency and material abundance, it completely dominates the commercial market for power-generating solar panels.