Solar Cell: Construction, Working, and Its Types

Priyanshu Singhal
Electrical dept.
Team SolarMobil
Udupi, India
priyanshusinghal9712@gmail.com

Abstract—This paper presents a comprehensive overview of III. WORKING PRINCIPLE OF SOLAR CELLS
solar cells, focusing on their construction, working principles,
materials used, and the various types available today. Solar cells, or
photovoltaic cells, convert light energy into electrical energy
through the photovoltaic effect, utilizing the properties of
semiconductor materials. The study explains the intricacies of solar
cell design, including the p-n junction structure and the role of
different materials in determining efficiency. Additionally, it
categorizes solar cells into types, emphasizing the dominance of
crystalline silicon cells in the current market. This exploration not
only highlights the technological advancements in solar energy but
also addresses critical factors influencing material selection and
market trends, ultimately underscoring the significance of solar
energy as a renewable resource.

Keywords - solar cell, photovoltaic effect, crystalline silicon,

materials, renewable energy, types of solar cells
When light photons reach the p-n junction through the thin
I. INTRODUCTION p-type layer, they provide enough energy to create multiple
electron-hole pairs, initiating the conversion process. The
A solar cell, also known as a photovoltaic cell (PV cell), is
incident light disturbs the thermal equilibrium of the junction.
an electrical device that converts light energy into electrical
Free electrons in the depletion region quickly migrate to the
energy through the photovoltaic effect. Essentially, a solar cell
n-type side of the junction, while holes similarly move to the
is a type of p-n junction diode and falls under the category of p-type side. Once these free electrons move to the n-type side,
photoelectric cells. Photoelectric cells are defined as devices they cannot cross back over the junction due to the barrier
whose electrical characteristics—such as current, voltage, or
potential. Similarly, holes on the p-type side cannot cross back
resistance—change when exposed to light. Individual solar to the n-type side. This separation of electrons and holes
cells can be combined to create modules commonly referred across the p-n junction allows it to function like a small battery
to as solar panels. A standard single-junction silicon solar cell
cell, establishing a voltage known as photo voltage. If a small
can produce a maximum open-circuit voltage of load is connected across the junction, a tiny current will flow
approximately 0.5 to 0.6 volts. While this may seem low, it is through it.
important to note that solar cells are quite small. When
combined into a larger solar panel, they can generate Fig. 1. V-I Characteristics of a Photovoltaic Cell
significant amounts of renewable energy.
II. CONSTRUCTION OF SOLAR CELLS IV. MATERIALS USED IN SOLAR CELLS
The structure of a solar cell is similar to that of a junction Materials used in solar cells should have a band gap close
diode, but it differs slightly in construction. A thin layer of p- to 1.5 eV to optimize light absorption and electrical efficiency.
type semiconductor is grown on a relatively thicker n-type Commonly used materials include:
semiconductor. On top of the p-type layer, fine electrodes are 1. Silicon
applied that do not obstruct light from reaching the thin layer.
Underneath the p-type layer, a p-n junction is formed. 2. Gallium Arsenide (GaAs)
Additionally, a current-collecting electrode is placed at the
bottom of the n-type layer. The entire assembly is 3. Cadmium Telluride (CdTe)
encapsulated with thin glass to protect the solar cell from 4. Copper Indium Selenide (CuInSe2)
V. CRITERIA FOR MATERIALS TO BE USED IN SOLAR CELLS
1. The band gap must be between 1 eV and 1.8 eV.
2. The material must have high optical absorption.
3. The material must possess high electrical conductivity.
4. The raw material should be abundant and cost-effective.

mechanical shocks. VI. TYPES OF SOLAR CELLS

Fig. 2. Types of Solar Cells

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 • Crystalline silicon cells cut. Instead, the silicon is melted and poured into square
moulds. These then form perfectly shaped square cells.
• Monocrystalline cells
1) Advantages
• Polycrystalline cells Here are some of the advantages of polycrystalline solar
• Thin film solar cells cells:
Presently, around 90% of the world’s photovoltaics are • The manufacturing process is cheaper and easier than
based on some variation of silicon, and around the same the monocrystalline cells
percentage of the domestic solar panel, systems use the • It avoids silicon waste
crystalline silicon cells. Crystalline silicon cells also form the
basis for mono and polycrystalline cells. The silicon that is in • High temperatures have less negative effects on
solar cells can take many different forms. However, the thing efficiency compared with monocrystalline cells. This
that matters most is the purity of the silicon. This is because it makes the polycrystalline cells more attractive to
directly affects its efficiency. What purity means, in this case, people in warmer areas as the price is lower
is the way in which the silicon molecules have been aligned.
The better the alignment, the purer the resulting silicon is. 2) Disadvantages
Here are some of the disadvantages to polycrystalline solar
This, ultimately, leads to better conversion rates of cells:
sunlight into electricity. As previously mentioned, the levels
of efficiency work alongside the purity of the silicon • Efficiency is only around 13-16% due to low levels
molecules – and purity can be quite a costly aspect to upgrade. of silicon purity. So they are not the most efficient on
However, it may come as a surprise to learn that efficiency is the market
not the driving force for people who want to invest in solar • They have lower output rates which make them less
energy. The cost and the amount of space it takes up tend to space efficient. So more roof space is needed for
be the most important aspects to potential buyers. installation
A. Monocrystalline cells C. Thin Film Solar Cells
Monocrystalline solar cells are made from single Thin film solar cells are manufactured by placing several
crystalline silicon. They are very distinctive in their thin layers of photovoltaic on top of each other to creates the
appearance as they are often coloured, and the cells hold a module. There are actually a few different types of thin film
cylindrical shape. In order to keep the costs low and solar cell, and the way in which they differ from each other
performance at optimal levels, manufacturers cut out the four comes down to the material used for the PV layers. The types
sides of the monocrystalline cells. This gives them their are as follows:
recognisable appearance.
• Amorphous silicon
1) Advantages
• Here are some of the advantages of monocrystalline • Cadmium telluride
solar cells:
• Copper indium gallium selenide
• They have the highest level of efficiency at 15-20%
• Organic PV cells
• They require less space compared to other types due Depending on the technology that has been used, the
to their high efficiency efficiency rates for thin film solar cells tends to vary from 7%
• Manufacturers state that this form of solar cell lasts to 13%. Since 2002, the knowledge levels and popularity for
the longest, with most giving them a 25-year thin film solar cells has risen dramatically, which also means
warranty that research and development have been increased. Due to
this, we can expect future models to hold efficiency rates of
• They perform better in low levels of sunlight, making 10-16%.
them ideal for cloudy areas
1) Advantages
2) Disadvantages Here are some of the advantages of thin film solar cells:
• Here are some of the disadvantages to
monocrystalline solar cells: • They can be manufactured to be flexible, making
them widely applicable to a range of situations and
• They are the most expensive solar cells on the building types
market, and so not in everyone’s price range
• Mass production is easy to achieve, making them
• The performance levels tend to suffer from an potentially cheaper to produce than crystalline solar
increase in temperature. However, it is a small loss cells
when compared to other forms of solar cell
• Shading has a similar effect on their efficiency
• There is a lot of waste material when the silicon is
cut during manufacture 2) Disadvantages
Here are some of the disadvantages of thin film solar cells:
B. Polycrystalline Solar Cells
• They are not ideal for domestic use as thy take up a
The polycrystalline solar panels were first introduced to
lot of space
the public in 1981. Unlike the monocrystalline cells,
polycrystalline ones do not require each of the four sides to be
• Low space efficiency means that they will cause REFERENCES
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