A solar cell (also called photovoltaic cell) is a electrical device that converts the energy of light directly into electricity by the photovoltaic effect.
2. What is a solar cell ?
A solar cell (also called photovoltaic
cell) is a electrical device that
converts the energy of light directly
into electricity by the photovoltaic
effect.
4. Groups of solar cells can be packaged into
modules, panels and arrays to provide useful
output voltages and currents to provide a
specific power output
5. Basic structure of a SOLAR CELL
A = Glass cover B = Anti reflective coating C = Contact
grid
D = N-type Silicon E = P-type silicon F = Back contact
7. When light hits the cell
When light, in the form of photons, hits our solar
cell, its energy frees electron-hole pairs.
Each photon with enough energy will normally free
exactly one electron, and result in a free hole as well.
If this happens close enough to the electric field, the
field will send the electron to the N side and the hole
to the P side. This causes further disruption of
electrical neutrality, and if we provide an external
current path, electrons will flow through the path to
their original side (the P side) to unite with holes. The
electron flow provides the current, and the cell's
electric field causes a voltage.
8. Solar cell - converts light energy to electricity
Light energy
Electrical energy (carried through
wires)
Solar Cells are
Converters of Energy…
9. Solar cells can only absorb specific
wavelengths of light.
A certain wavelength of lights gets
absorbed depends on its energy
Light with energy greater than the
band gap energy of Si is absorbed