Understanding of solar cell technology

What is a solar cell & how does it work?

Solar cell, any device that directly converts the energy of light into electrical energy through the photovoltaic effect. The majority of solar cells are fabricated from silicon—with increasing efficiency and lowering cost as the materials range from amorphous to polycrystalline to crystalline silicon forms.

What is a solar cell?

The solar cell described in Section 1 is the basic building block of a photovoltaic system. When illuminated by the sun, the voltage produced by a typical cell, such as the silicon solar cell discussed in this section, is around 1 V or less.

What are solar cells used for?

(Solar power is insufficient for space probes sent to the outer planets of the solar system or into interstellar space, however, because of the diffusion of radiant energy with distance from the Sun.) Solar cells have also been used in consumer products, such as electronic toys, handheld calculators, and portable radios.

What are solar cell applications?

To achieve this goal, scientists and engineers have found diverse solutions through exploring new materials and improving device structures. With technological development, solar cell applications have become widespread in the military, space, business, agriculture, communication, and public facilities.

How do photovoltaic solar cells work?

Fig. 1. Basic operation of a photovoltaic solar cell: a photon is absorbed, exciting an electron to a higher energy state. A built-in asymmetry separates the electron and hole, resulting in the generation of current and voltage. The equivalent circuit for a solar cell is shown in Fig. 2.

Why are solar cells used in space?

Because they have no moving parts that could need maintenance or fuels that would require replenishment, solar cells provide power for most space installations, from communications and weather satellites to space stations.