Working Principle: The working of solar cells involves light photons creating electron-hole pairs at the p-n junction, generating a voltage capable of driving a current across a connected load.
All the aspects presented in this chapter will be discussed in greater detail in the following chapters. The working principle of solar cells is based on the photovoltaic effect, i.e. the generation of a potential difference at the junction of two different materials in response to electromag-netic radiation.
How do solar cells work?
Working Principle: The working of solar cells involves light photons creating electron-hole pairs at the p-n junction, generating a voltage capable of driving a current across a connected load.
Why do solar cells use semiconductors?
They use semiconductors as light absorbers. When the sunlight is absorbed, the energy of some electrons in the semiconductor increases. A combination of p-doped and n-doped semiconductors is typically used to drive these high-energy electrons out of the solar cell, where they can deliver electrical work before reentering the cell with less energy.
In a solar cell, the electrical current produced by the absorption of light is called the photocurrent. The quantum efficiency (QE) of a solar cell is defined as the number of electrons that contribute to the photocurrent divided by the number of photons with a given energy or wavelength that impinge on the solar cell.
What is a solar energy plant?
solar energy; solar cell A solar energy plant produces megawatts of electricity. Voltage is generated by solar cells made from specially treated semiconductor materials, such as silicon. Solar cells, whether used in a central power station, a satellite, or a calculator, have the same basic structure.
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.