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Working Principle of Solar Cells

A solar cell converts light energy into electrical energy through the photovoltaic effect. It is constructed as a p-n junction diode with a thin p-type semiconductor layer deposited on a thicker n-type layer. When light photons enter the junction, they create electron-hole pairs, separating the charges across the junction to generate a photovoltage. Individual solar cells can be combined into modules or solar panels to produce usable amounts of renewable energy with advantages of being pollution-free and requiring little maintenance, though they have high up-front costs and are inefficient compared to fossil fuels.

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2K views2 pages

Working Principle of Solar Cells

A solar cell converts light energy into electrical energy through the photovoltaic effect. It is constructed as a p-n junction diode with a thin p-type semiconductor layer deposited on a thicker n-type layer. When light photons enter the junction, they create electron-hole pairs, separating the charges across the junction to generate a photovoltage. Individual solar cells can be combined into modules or solar panels to produce usable amounts of renewable energy with advantages of being pollution-free and requiring little maintenance, though they have high up-front costs and are inefficient compared to fossil fuels.

Uploaded by

lucifermorningstar252004
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
  • Solar Cell Overview
  • Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Cell
  • Working Principle of Solar Cell
  • Uses of Solar Cell

Solar Cell

A solar cell (also known as a photovoltaic cell or PV cell) is defined as an electrical device that converts
light energy into electrical energy through the photovoltaic effect. A solar cell is basically a p-n junction
diode. Solar cells are a form of photoelectric cell, defined as a device whose electrical characteristics –
such as current, voltage, or resistance – vary when exposed to light.

Individual solar cells can be combined to form modules commonly known as solar panels. The common
single junction silicon solar cell can produce a maximum open-circuit voltage of approximately 0.5 to 0.6
volts. When combined into a large solar panel, considerable amounts of renewable energy can be
generated.

Construction of Solar Cell

A solar cell is basically a junction diode, although its construction it is little bit different from
conventional p-n junction diodes. A very thin layer of p-type semiconductor is grown on a relatively
thicker n-type semiconductor. We then apply a few finer electrodes on the top of the p-type
semiconductor layer.

These electrodes do not obstruct light to reach the thin p-type layer. Just below the p-type layer there is
a p-n junction. We also provide a current collecting electrode at the bottom of the n-type layer. We
encapsulate the entire assembly by thin glass to protect the solar cell from any mechanical shock.
Working Principle of Solar Cell

When light reaches the p-n junction, the light photons can easily enter in the junction, through very thin
p-type layer. The light energy, in the form of photons, supplies sufficient energy to the junction to create
a number of electron-hole pairs. The incident light breaks the thermal equilibrium condition of the
junction. The free electrons in the depletion region can quickly come to the n-type side of the junction.

Similarly, the holes in the depletion can quickly come to the p-type side of the junction. Once, the newly
created free electrons come to the n-type side, cannot further cross the junction because of barrier
potential of the junction.

Similarly, the newly created holes once come to the p-type side cannot further cross the junction
became of same barrier potential of the junction. As the concentration of electrons becomes higher in
one side, i.e. n-type side of the junction and concentration of holes becomes more in another side, i.e.
the p-type side of the junction, the p-n junction will behave like a small battery cell. A voltage is set up
which is known as photo voltage. If we connect a small load across the junction, there will be a tiny
current flowing through it.

Advantages of Solar Cell

1. No pollution associated with It.


2. It must last for a long time.
3. No maintenance cost.

Disadvantages of Solar Cell

1. It has high cost of installation.


2. It has low efficiency.
3. During cloudy day, the energy cannot be produced and also at night we will not get solar energy.

Uses of Solar Generation Systems

1. It may be used to charge batteries.


2. Used in light meters.
3. is used to power calculators and wrist watches.
4. It can be used in spacecraft to provide electrical energy.

Solar Cell A solar cell (also known as a photovoltaic cell or PV cell) is defined as an electrical device that converts lig
Working Principle of Solar Cell When light reaches the p-n junction, the light photons can easily enter in the junction, t

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