A solar cell is defined as an electrical device which converts the light energy due to the photovoltaic effect directly into electricity, which is a physical as well as chemical phenomenon.
Solar cell is a type of photoelectric cell which is defined as a device having electrical properties like current, voltage, or resistance change when exposed to the light. Solar cells are the main component of photovoltaic modules, also called solar panels.
A solar cell is a junction diode but the construction of a solar cell is somewhat different from the pn junction diodes. A very thin layer of p-type semiconductor grows on a thicker n-type semiconductor. Then apply a fine electrode on the top of the layer p-type semiconductor.
These electrodes do not block the light from reaching the p-type thin layer. A pn junction is there just below the layer of p-type. We also give an electrode for current collecting at the bottom of the layer of n-type. We encapsulate the whole assembly with a thin glass to protect or save the solar cell from mechanical shock.
When light hits the p-n junction, light photons can easily enter the junction through a very thin p-type layer. Light energy in the form of photons delivers enough energy to the junction to create multiple pairs of electron holes. The thermal equilibrium state of the junction is broken by the incident light. Free electrons in the depletion region can quickly find their way to the n-type side of the junction.
In the same way, holes present in the depletion layer can rapidly reach the p-type side of the junction. When the newly generated free electrons reach the n-type side, then they cannot cross the junction any further due to the barrier potential of the junction.
In the same way, newly created holes, once they reach the p-type side, can no longer cross the junction and due to the same barrier potential of the junction. When the electron concentration increases on one side, that is the n-type side of the junction and the hole concentration on another side, that is the p-type side of the junction, the p-n junction behaves like a small battery cell. A voltage is established which is termed as the photovoltage. When we connect a small load across the junction, then a small current will flow through it.
Commonly used materials in solar cells are given below.
There are many uses of solar cell which are given below.
Solar energy is also used in cars nowadays. This solar energy is generated by photovoltaic cells. Ed Passerini was the first one to build a car which worked on solar cells. The first powered car was manufactured in 1977.
Solar panels are kept on the roof. It works as a solar heater that heats water. This water can be used for the purpose of bathing. It also has another benefit: it helps with energy production which is used in case of power failure problems. Or people can store this energy and use it to produce electricity at home and save money by lowering the bills of electricity.
There are many disadvantages of solar cell which are given below
A solar cell is defined as an electrical device which converts the light energy due to the photovoltaic effect directly into electricity, which is a physical as well as chemical phenomenon.
A solar cell is a semiconductor which contains pn junctions.
In solar cells, protons and electrons causes the generation of electricity.
Commonly used materials in solar cells are given below.
There are many uses of solar cells which are given below.
There are many disadvantages of solar cell which are given below
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