PV Cells: Playing with the Sun
Solar cells or photovoltaic (PV) cells convert light directly into electricity. They are the basic unit of solar panels needed to harness clean natural energy.Photovoltaic Cells (PV)
How PV Cells Work Photovoltaic Cells (PV)
PV cells however are made of semiconductor material usually silicon. When sunlight hits a PV cell, photons (units of light) free up electrons from the silicon atoms to maintain an electric current. This DC electricity can be used to power devices or convert into AC electricity to power homes and business. Photovoltaic Cells (PV)
Types of PV Cells
Silicon-based Cells:** These are the most frequently used solar cell types, with two major varieties:
Monocrystalline Silicon Cells:** The most power per unit area and the highest efficiency.
Polycrystalline Silicon Cells — Not as efficient as monocrystalline solar cells but cheaper
Thin-Film (TF):** Composed of thin films placed in sheets of various semiconductor materials like amorphous silicon, cadmium telluride, or copper indium gallium selenide(TF also). Although not as efficient, they are much more flexible and lightweight compared to crystalline silicon cells.
The Efficiency of PV cell depends on
The efficiency of a PV cell depends on the following factors —
Quality of Material:** The purity and quality of the semiconductor material which is being used in the cell.
Cell Design:**The design of the cell, such as thickness of layers and anti-reflective coating.
Manufacturing Process : How accurate and precise the manufacturing process is done.
Operating Conditions — Temperature, sunlight intensity, etc.
The Future of PV Cells
There are several ongoing research and development from many organizations to improve the efficiency of PV cells as well as work on reducing the cost. Next-generation technologies — think perovskite solar cells — could lead to major efficiency improvements. Long term, as PV cell technology continues to improve solar energy will have