Solar Cell: Introduction

• Solar cell: Device that converts the energy of the sunlight into electrical energy. Photovoltaics: Solar cells function based on
• Semiconductors, most commonly Si (band gap: 1.14 eV) are used in solar cells the photovoltaic effect, hence the name.
• Solar cell is a photodiode. Two semiconductor materials, p and n type are attached. • Photovoltaic effect: voltage generation due
• Sun facing side is n-type (thin layer, lightly doped). to exposure to light.
• Depletion layer: neutral atoms; a small electric field across it. • Photoelectric effect: Similar process, but
Basic working principle of solar cell: typically used when the electron is ejected
• Photons strike through the n-layer, reach the depletion layer and create electron-hole out of the material
pairs by ejecting electrons from the neutral atoms. • In the case of photovoltaic effect, the
• Existing potential difference serves as the driving force for the ejected electrons electron remains within the material.
to move towards the n-type material (n-side slightly +ve, p-side slightly –ve).
• Circuit between n and p type produces direct current
• DC to AC converters are present in a box below the panel

n CB
e- d
E Bandgap
p Si: 1.14 eV

VB
 Solar Panel
• Solar panel: Array of multiple solar cells. Each cell is 156 mm x 156 mm
• Each cell produces ~0.6 V
• They may be connected in series or in parallel using metal contacts
• Other materials in a Si-based solar cell: metals (Ag, Al) for making
contacts (to n and p type), protective coating, DC to AC converters,
circuitry components
Six main components of a solar panel
• Solar photovoltaic cells
• Toughened Glass - 3 to 3.5mm thick
• Extruded Aluminium frame
• Encapsulation - EVA film layers
• Polymer rear back-sheet
• Junction box - diodes and connectors

Al casing
Resin
Protective materials
 Classification of Solar Cells
Classification based on materials
Solar Cell

Silicon (Si) Semiconductor compounds Organic Others

Chalcogenides III-V compounds

• Poly-phenylene • Dye sensitized

• Monocrystalline • Cadmium Telluride
• Polycrystalline (CdTe)
• Amorphous • Copper Zinc Tin
• Hydrogenated Sulphide
amorphous • Copper Indium
Gallium Diselenide
• Gallium Arsenide (GaAs)
vinylene (PPV) (nanomaterial)
• Gallium Indium
• Polyacetylene • Perovskite
Phosphorous
• Various semiconductor (hybrid materials)
based conjugated • Quantum dot
polymers (semiconductor particles)

Classification based on device design

• Wafer-based: Crystalline Si, GaAs and some III-V compound

• Thin-film: Amorphous Si, organic, chalcogenides, perovskite, dye sensitized etc.
• Advantages of thin-films: flexible, lightweight, higher efficiency
• Advantages of wafers: Si technology is available, abundant/ safe material