solar cells (1)

Introduction
You must have seen wet clothes being kept in the sun to dry, do you know
what energy is being used here? It is the heat energy from the sun that makes
the clothes dry. The energy radiated from the sun can be used in many forms
on Earth. The energy produced by the sun and received by Earth in one hour
is strong enough to meet global energy needs for almost a year. Solar energy
exists in two forms; humans can utilize heat and light, and both of them. Solar
power can also cause chemical reactions and generate electricity. Harnessing
and using Solar energy are some of the significant ways of achieving a clean
future. As the green market is growing in many countries, Solar power’s share
is also becoming a big part of sustainable development.
If you have been asked to write a short note on solar energy or need solar
energy information in English, this article is for you. Here we will give you a
solar energy definition and also equip you with solar energy project
information.
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. By itself this isn’t much – but
remember these solar cells are tiny. When combined into a large
solar panel, considerable amounts of renewable energy can be
generated.
Construction of Solar Cell
A solar cell functions similarly to a junction diode, but its
construction differs slightly from typical 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 photons reach the p-n junction through the thin p-
type layer, they supply enough energy to create multiple
electron-hole pairs, initiating the conversion process. 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.
Once the newly created holes reach the p-type side, they cannot
cross back over the junction due to the barrier potential. This
separation of electrons and holes across the p-n junction allows it
to function 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.
V-I Characteristics of a Photovoltaic Cell
Types of Solar Panels

Solar energy can be converted into usable energy, and there are many ways
of doing it to get heat, electricity, hot water, and even cooling buildings and
industrial complexes. Solar panels are equipment that can absorb the Sun's
rays and generate heat or electricity with it. The most common types of solar
panels fit into three broad categories; monocrystalline, thin-film, and
polycrystalline. These solar panels are different from each other in the way
they are made, the cost involved in making them, their performances,
appearance, and the kind of installation they are best suited for. Each of these
panels has unique features and capabilities. Solar cells have semiconducting
material that converts light into electricity. Silicon is used widely as the
semiconducting material in solar panels.
Based on the types of installation you require, you can choose the best fit from
these three explained below:
1. Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline Solar Panels
The Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline Solar panels have solar panels made
from silicon wafers. The wafers are assembled into rows and columns in both
of these panels to form a rectangle. They are then covered with a glass sheet
and framed together. The difference between these two panels lies in the
composition of silicon used in each of them. To make a monocrystalline panel,
a single pure silicon crystal is used. For a polycrystalline panel, fragments of
silicon crystals are used that are melted together to form a mould and then cut
into wafers.
2. Thin Film Solar Panels
The thin-film panels are made up of different materials and not just silicon.
CdTe or Cadmium telluride is the most common material used in making thin-
film solar panels. Layers of CdTe are placed between transparent conducting
panels. These layers help capture sunlight. A top layer of glass protects the
panels. Thin-film panels could also be made from amorphous Si (a-Si) which
are non-crystalline wafers sitting on top of glass, metal, or plastic. Another
popular material used in thin-film solar panels is CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium
Selenide).
Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Energy Usage
Solar energy notes are not complete without talking about its miscellaneous
advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of Solar Energy Systems
 A Renewable Source of Energy

There is no way we can run out of solar energy. Solar energy can be
applied around the world in many areas. Sunlight will be available to us
for 5 billion years, as per the scientists.
 Reduction in Electricity Consumption and Bills

Since some of your energy needs will be met by solar energy, the
amount of electricity you consume from other sources would decrease,
which in turn reduces your electricity bills.
 Low Maintenance Costs

All you need to do to maintain a solar system is to keep them clean.
Most solar equipment from reliable manufacturers has 20 to 25 years of
warranty. There is no wear and tear on a solar system since there are
no moving parts involved in its working.
 It creates jobs as you employ solar panel manufacturers and installers,

thereby helping the economy.
 Solar systems are eco-friendly as there is no green gas emitted from
them after installation.
Disadvantages of Solar Energy Systems
 High Initial Cost

The cost of purchasing a solar energy system is quite high initially. The
various costs involved are the solar panel cost, batteries, inverters,
wiring, and installation.
 They are Dependent on the Weather

On a cloudy or rainy day, it is still possible to collect solar energy, but its
efficiency takes a hit. Since solar systems depend on sunlight for their
power, less sunlight can bring down a solar system's performance.
 Storing Solar Energy is Expensive

If solar energy systems are not used up right away, they need huge
batteries to be stored. These batteries are used in off the solar grid
systems and have to be charged throughout the day to use them at
night. This is an expensive solution to make solar energy available
during the night too.
 Needs a Lot of Space

Depending on the level of electricity you want to produce, solar panels
would increase in number. These panels take a lot of space, and some
roofs might not even fit in all the solar panels you require.
Applications of solar cells:
1. Transportation
2. Solar cells in calculators
3. Solar cell panels
4. Solar cell advantages
1. Solar Cell for Transportation

Solar energy is used in cars. This solar power is created by photovoltaic cells. This
electricity is transferred to the storage battery or powers the motor. Ed Passerini was
the first person to build a solar car. The first powered car was created in the year
1977
2. Solar Cells in Calculators

Solar-powered calculators use photovoltaic cells. These calculators work with solar
energy. The light from sun gives power for the operation of calculators. Solar
calculators work very well in outdoor light
3. Solar Cell Panels

On the rooftop, solar panels are kept. It is used as a solar heater which heats the
water. This water can be used for bathing. Also, another use it helps in generating
power. People can store this energy in the backup battery and can use during power
cut issues. Or people can store this energy and use it to generate electricity in their
house and save money by reducing the electricity bill
4. Solar Cell Advantages

Solar energy is a renewable form of energy. Saves money as it reduces the
electricity bill. Maintaining is simple and affordable so the maintenance cost is also
low. It is one of the best alternatives for non-renewable energy

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Introduction

Working Principle of Solar Cell

A voltage is set up which is known as photo voltage. If we

Types of Solar Panels

Advantages of Solar Energy Systems

 A Renewable Source of Energy

 Reduction in Electricity Consumption and Bills

 Low Maintenance Costs

 It creates jobs as you employ solar panel manufacturers and installers,

Disadvantages of Solar Energy Systems

 High Initial Cost

 They are Dependent on the Weather

 Storing Solar Energy is Expensive

 Needs a Lot of Space

1. Solar Cell for Transportation

2. Solar Cells in Calculators

3. Solar Cell Panels

4. Solar Cell Advantages

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