The document provides an overview of solar cells, detailing their structure, working principle, types, advantages, disadvantages, applications, and future developments. Solar cells convert sunlight into electricity through the photovoltaic effect, and various types include thin-film, polycrystalline, monocrystalline, organic, perovskite, and concentrated solar cells, each with different efficiencies and applications. The future of solar technology looks promising with advancements in nanotechnology and integration with smart energy systems.
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Solar Cell
The document provides an overview of solar cells, detailing their structure, working principle, types, advantages, disadvantages, applications, and future developments. Solar cells convert sunlight into electricity through the photovoltaic effect, and various types include thin-film, polycrystalline, monocrystalline, organic, perovskite, and concentrated solar cells, each with different efficiencies and applications. The future of solar technology looks promising with advancements in nanotechnology and integration with smart energy systems.
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Duration: 10min Grades: 6 - 8 CCSS, NGSS
Solar Cell Renewable Energy
SEMICONDUCTORS TEACHER: DR. GEETA MONGIA MAM
Project by: Md Faizan
2403018 Introduction
A solar cell, also known as a
photovoltaic (PV) cell, is an electronic device that converts sunlight directly into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. It is the basic building block of solar panels, widely used for renewable energy applications. Click on the model to interact Structure of a Solar Cell
Frame: A structural component that supports
and secures the photovoltaic cells.
Anti-reflection coating: Prevents light from reflecting
back towards the sun, which would otherwise be wasted.
Conducting material layer: A thin metal layer that sits on
the top of the semiconductor layer.
Semiconductor layer: A layer made of a semiconductor
material that doesn’t usually conduct electricity. Semiconductor layer(p-n Junction) made of silicon or other semiconducting materials. The junction between p-type(positive) and n-type(negative) semiconducting creates an electric field. Back contact conducts electrons back into the external circuit. Encapsulation and Glass layer protects the cell from environment factors like dust, moisture, and impact. Working Principle The working of a solar cell is based on the photovoltaic effect, discovered by Edmond Becquerel in 1839.
1. Photon Absorption: When sunlight hits the solar cell,
photons and are absorbed by the semiconductor material (usually silicon). This energy excites the electrons, freeing them from their atomic bonds. 2. Formation of Electron-Hole Pairs: The energy creates electron-hole pairs (negatively charged electrons and positively charged holes). 3. Separation of Charges: The built-in field at the p-n junction drives the electrons to the n-side and holes to the p-side. 4. Electric Current Generation: The flow of electrons through an external circuit generates electricity. 5. Power Output: The cell produces a DC output, which can be converted to AC using an inverter for practical use. Types of Solar Cells: 1.Thin-Film Solar Cells: Made by depositing thin layers of photovoltaic material on a substrate. Materials Used: Amorphous silicon, cadmium telluride (CdTe), CIGS(Copper Indium Gallium Selenide). Efficiency: Lower(~10-15%). Features: Lightweight, flexible, less costly. Output:Thin-film solar panels have a power generation capacity of 50-60 watts per square meter per hour 2. Polycrystalline Silicon Solar Cells: Made from multiple silicon crystals melted together. Efficiency: Moderate(~15-20%). Features: Cheaper, blue hue with visible grainy texture. Output: A polycrystalline cell produces about 150-170 Watts per square meter per hour. 3. Monocrystalline Silicon Solar Cells: Made from single crystal of silicon. Efficiency: High (~20–25%). Features: Long lifespan, more expensive, uniform black color. Output: A monocrystalline cel produces 220-400 Watts per square meters per hour 4. Organic Solar Cells: Use organic materials like polymers. Efficiency: Low (~10%). Features: Flexible, lightweight, suitable for niche applications. Output: 100–200 watts per square meter per hour 5. Perovskite Solar Cells: Use hybrid organic- inorganic perovskite materials. Efficiency: Rapidly improving (~20– 25%). Features: Cheaper to produce, potential for high efficiency. Output: 150–200 Watts per square meter per hour. 6. Concentrated Solar Cells (CSC): Use lenses or mirrors to focus sunlight on high-efficiency cells. The concentrated sunlight is directed onto a high-efficiency multi-junction solar cell made of materials like gallium arsenide (GaAs). Efficiency: Very high (~30–40%). Features: Requires direct sunlight and tracking systems. Output: 600–1,000 watts per square meter per hour. Solar Cell I-V Characteristic Curve: The graph of a solar cell's characteristics is called an I-V curve, or current-voltage characteristic curve. Advantages of Solar Cells: 1. It is simple electronic device which converts solar energy into electricity. 2. They do not have any movable mechanical components. 3. This device can be operated without any maintenance for long time. 4. They can be made in series for suitable load requirement. 5. No special skills are required to operate this device. 6. Their reliability of working is quite high 7. They generate power without any pollution; hence they give green power. 8. Their applications are very wide. They are used in small calculator to devices used in space and at home. Disadvantages of Solar Cells: 1. It can generate electricity only during day time. They do not give energy during night time. 2. Electrical energy storage devices like batteries are required when sun rays are not available during night or cloudy weather. 3. Efficiency of solar cell is in between 6% to 20% only. 4. The solar panels require large area to install. Applications of Solar Cells: 1.Residential Solar Panels: Power homes and buildings. 2.Solar Farms: Large-scale electricity production. 3.Space Technology: Power satellites and spacecraft. 4.Portable Electronics: Power calculators, chargers, and lamps. 5.Transportation: Used in solar cars, boats, and aircraft. Future of Solar Cells: • Advancements in nanotechnology and quantum dots are paving the way for more efficient, flexible, and cost- effective solar cells. • Integration with smart grids and energy storage systems will make solar energy more accessible. Working of Solar Cells THANK YOU