SOLAR CELL

Construction & Working

Principle
Applicaltions

1 9/18/2024
 Learning
Outcome

1
Understand the basic principles 2Compare different types of
of solar cells, including the solar cells and evaluate
photovoltaic effect and how their efficiency,
solar energy is converted into
construction, and
electricity.
applications.
3 Analyze the impact of solar
energy on the environment
and economy, and explore
future trends and
innovations in solar
technology.

2 9/18/2024
 What is solar cell?
⮚ A solar cell is a device that converts
sunlight into electricity. This process is
known as the photovoltaic effect. Solar
cells are typically made of
semiconductor materials, such as silicon,
which absorb sunlight and generate an
electric current.

⮚ They are often combined into larger

arrays called solar panels to produce
significant amounts of electricity. Solar
panels are a popular renewable energy
source used for various applications,
including powering homes, businesses,
and public infrastructure.
 Key components of a solar cell:
Semiconductor material: Typically silicon, but other
materials like gallium arsenide or cadmium telluride are
also used.
Junction: The boundary between the p-type and n-type
semiconductors.
Electrodes: Metal contacts that collect the generated
electricity.
Anti-reflective coating: A layer that reduces light
reflection and increases the amount of light absorbed by
the cell.
 Construction of Solar Cells
Solar cells are typically constructed using a semiconductor material, most
commonly silicon. Here's a simplified overview of the construction process:
1. Material Preparation:
Silicon Purification: High-purity silicon is obtained through a series of chemical
processes.
Crystal Growth: The purified silicon is crystallized into either single-crystalline
or polycrystalline form.

2. Wafer Cutting:
The silicon crystal is sliced into thin wafers, which form the base of the solar cell.

3. Doping:
Impurities are added to the wafers to create a p-n junction, where the electrical
properties of the material change. One side of the wafer is doped with boron to
create a p-type layer, while the other side is doped with phosphorus to create an n-
type layer.
4. Anti-Reflective Coating:
A thin, transparent coating is applied to the top surface of the wafer to reduce
light reflection and increase the amount of sunlight absorbed.

5. Metallization:
Metal contacts (typically aluminum or silver) are deposited onto the top and
bottom surfaces of the wafer to collect the generated electricity.

6. Encapsulation:
The solar cell is encapsulated within a protective layer, often made of glass or a
polymer material, to shield it from the elements and provide structural support.

7. Interconnection:
Multiple solar cells are connected together in series or parallel to form a solar
panel, increasing the total power output.
 Working Principle of Solar Cell
Solar cells convert sunlight into electricity through a process called photovoltaic effect. This effect was
discovered in 1839 by French physicist Alexandre Edmond Becquerel.
Here's a working principle of how solar cells work:

1.Absorption of Sunlight: When sunlight strikes the surface of a solar cell, the energy from the photons
(particles of light) is absorbed by the semiconductor material within the cell.

2.Electron Excitation: The absorbed energy excites the electrons in the semiconductor, giving them
enough energy to break free from their atoms.

3.Separation of Charges: The solar cell is designed with a junction between two different types of
semiconductor material (p-type and n-type). This junction creates an electric field that separates the
excited electrons from the positively charged holes left behind in the atoms.

4.Current Generation: The separated electrons and holes are forced to move in opposite directions by
the electric field. This movement of charges constitutes an electric current.

5.Collection of Electricity: The current is collected by electrodes on the front and back of the solar cell.
These electrodes are connected to external circuits, where the electricity can be used to power devices.
 V-I Characteristics of Solar Cells
V-I characteristics describe the relationship between the voltage (V)
and current (I) produced by a photovoltaic (PV) cell under different
lighting conditions. This relationship is crucial for understanding the
performance and behavior of solar cells.
 Key Points on V-I Characteristics:
⮚ Short-Circuit Current (Isc):
The maximum current a PV cell can produce when its terminals are shorted
(connected with a wire).
It depends on the intensity and spectrum of the incident light.
⮚ Open-Circuit Voltage (Voc):
The maximum voltage a PV cell can produce when its terminals are open (no
current flows).
It depends on the semiconductor material and temperature.
⮚ Maximum Power Point (MPP):
The operating point where the PV cell produces the maximum power.
It is characterized by the maximum power (Pm), maximum current (Im), and
maximum voltage (Vm).
⮚ Fill Factor (FF):
A measure of how closely the PV cell's actual output power approaches its
theoretical maximum power.
FF = (Pm / (Isc × Voc)) × 100%
 Factors Affecting V-I Characteristics:

✔ Light Intensity: Higher light intensity generally leads to

higher short-circuit current and open-circuit voltage,
resulting in increased power output.

✔ Temperature: Increasing temperature typically reduces

open-circuit voltage and fill factor, while having a minimal
effect on short-circuit current.

✔ Cell Design and Material: The type of semiconductor

material, cell structure, and manufacturing processes can
significantly influence V-I characteristics.
What is a PN Junction Solar Cell?
PN Junction Solar cells are semiconductors that convert light to electrical energy.
They are also known as PV(Photovoltaic) cells. Individual solar cells are
combined to form modules known as solar panels. The solar panels are arranged in
parallel and series according to the power requirement.

In a solar cell, the PN junction diode serves

several critical functions:
Current Flow: It allows current to flow in one direction (from the p-type side to
the n-type side) while blocking current flow in the opposite direction. This is
essential for collecting the generated electricity.
Charge Carrier Separation: The electric field created by the PN junction helps
to separate the electron-hole pairs generated by sunlight, preventing them from
recombining.
Voltage Generation: The junction also generates a voltage, which is crucial for
driving the electric current produced by the solar cell.
V-I Characteristics of Solar Cells
 Advantages
Practical Advantage:
Energy independence: Solar energy allows you to generate your own
electricity, reducing dependence on the grid and potentially providing
backup power in case of outages.
Reliability: Solar panels have a long lifespan and require minimal
maintenance.
Quiet operation: Unlike traditional power plants, solar panels produce no
noise.
Social Advantage:
Community involvement: Many communities are promoting solar energy
initiatives, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for environmental
sustainability.
Educational opportunities: Solar energy can be used as a tool for
education, particularly in schools and universities.
 Disadvantages
⮚ The efficiency of solar panels is low compared to other renewable
sources of energy.

⮚ Energy from the sun is intermittent and unpredictable and can only
be harnessed in the presence of sunlight. Also, the power generated
gets reduced during cloudy weather.

⮚ Long-range transmission of solar energy is inefficient and difficult

to carry. The current produced is DC in nature and the conversion
of DC current to AC current involves the use of additional
equipment such as inverters.

⮚ Photovoltaic panels are fragile and can be damaged relatively

easily. Additional insurance costs are required to ensure a safeguard
of the investments.
 Answer the following questions
Question 1:
What is the primary function of the pn junction in a solar cell?
A) To conduct electricity
B) To absorb light
C) To create an electric field
D) To store energy
Answer: (C) To create an electric field

Question 2:
Which material is commonly used in the fabrication of silicon solar
cells?
A) Gallium arsenide
B) Silicon
C) Cadmium telluride
D) Copper indium selenide
Answer: (B) Silicon

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 Question 3:
What happens to the current when the temperature of a solar cell increases?
A) Current decreases
B) Current remains constant
C) Current increases
D) Current fluctuates
Answer: A) Current decreases
Question 4:
What is the effect called that generates electron-hole pairs when light hits the solar cell?
A) Thermoelectric effect
B) Photovoltaic effect
C) Piezoelectric effect
D) Electroluminescence
Answer: B) Photovoltaic effect
Question 5:
Which of the following factors can affect the efficiency of a pn junction solar cell?
A) Temperature
B) Light intensity
C) Material quality
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D) All of the above 9/18/2024
Answer: D) All of the above
Problem:1

A solar panel has an efficiency of 15%. If the panel receives sunlight at an

intensity of 800 W/m² and has an area of 1.5 m², how much power does it
generate?

Solution:
1.Calculate the power received by the panel:
• Power = Intensity × Area
• Power = 800 W/m² × 1.5 m²
• Power = 1200 W
2.Calculate the power generated by the panel:
• Power generated = Efficiency × Power received
• Power generated = 15% × 1200 W
• Power generated = 0.15 × 1200 W
• Power generated = 180 W
Therefore, the solar panel generates 180 watts of power.
Problem 2:
A solar panel has a maximum power output of 300 W. If the panel's open-circuit
voltage is 45 V and its short-circuit current is 8 A, what is its fill factor?

Solution:
1.Calculate the maximum power point (MPP):
MPP = Open-circuit voltage × Short-circuit current
MPP = 45 V × 8 A
MPP = 360 W
2.Calculate the fill factor:
Fill factor = (Maximum power output / MPP) × 100%
Fill factor = (300 W / 360 W) × 100%
Fill factor ≈ 83.33%
Therefore, the solar panel's fill factor is approximately 83.33%.
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