There is no specific type of cell that converts energy into electrical energy by releasing electrons from silicon. The process you're describing is the fundamental principle behind solar cells, also known as photovoltaic cells.

Here's why:

* Silicon's Role: Silicon is a key component in most solar cells. When sunlight hits a silicon crystal, it excites electrons, causing them to jump to a higher energy level. This process creates a flow of electrons, which is what generates electricity.

* Not "Cells": The term "cell" is not used to describe the individual components within a solar cell. It's more accurate to refer to them as p-type and n-type layers of silicon, which are joined together to form a p-n junction.

* Energy Conversion: The energy conversion happens due to the interaction of light with silicon's atomic structure, not just the release of electrons.

In summary: There's no specific term for a "cell" that does what you described. Instead, the concept aligns with how solar cells operate: they convert light energy into electrical energy by exciting electrons in silicon.