Solar cell is an electrical device which converts the light energy directly into electricity utilizing photovoltaic effect. It is also defined as the form of photoelectric cell having electrical characteristics like current, voltage and resistance.
There are at least two semiconductor
layers in solar cells. One layer contains a positive charge and the other layer contains a negative
charge. A typical silicon solar cell consists of a thin wafer having phosphorus doped (N-type) ultra thin silicon layer on the top of boron-doped (P-type) thicker silicon layer. When these two materials are connected with each other, a junction is formed which is called P-N junction. As a result, an electrical field is
created near the top surface of the cell. When these two layers are connected to an external load, the electrons
flow through the circuit generates electricity.
Sunlight consists of small particles of solar energy called photons. When sunlight strikes on the surface of solar cell, many of the photons are
reflected and absorbed by the solar cell. Electrons are released from the negative layer of semiconductor
material, when enough photons are absorbed by this layer of the solar cell. These electrons naturally move into the positive layer and create a
voltage differential.
Under open circuit, no load conditions, a typical silicon solar cell generates
about 0.5 – 0.6 volt DC (Direct Current). The output of a solar cell depends on its surface area (size) and efficiency. It is also proportional to the light intensity of the sun striking the surface of the cell. For example, under peak
sunlight conditions, a typical commercial solar cell with a surface area
of 160 square centimeters will approximately generate peak power of 2 watts. If the intensity of the sunlight is 40 percent of peak, then the cell would generate approximately
0.8 watts. In order to increase the output power, cells are
combined in a weather tight package which is called a solar module. In order to create the desired voltage and amperage, these
modules (from one to several thousand) are then wired up in
series and parallel with each other. It is called a solar
array.
The semiconductor material silicon which is primarily used for the manufacturing process of solar cells is naturally available. Due to the natural availability of silicon and the practically unlimited
resource in the sun, solar cells are very environmentally
friendly. Solar cells burn no fuel and have absolutely no moving parts which makes them virtually maintenance free, silent and clean.
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DeleteSolar energy system is considered to be a major renewable energy source with the capacity to meet challenges faced by the world in terms of energy. This power source is gaining traction in all the developing markets because of its versatility and benefits to people and the environment.
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