How do solar cells work?

Solar energy is one of the most promising renewable energy industries. Solar collectors are used to harness thermal energy, while solar cells are used to directly convert solar energy into electricity.

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This is possible due to the so-called photoelectric phenomenon - light (electromagnetic radiation), acting on a solid, causes an electromotive force, which, in turn, causes a current to flow in an electrical circuit. Devices using this process are semiconductor connectors called photovoltaic cells or photovoltaic cells.

Features of the work of solar cells

Photovoltaic cells typically power small devices such as calculators, high beams, signal buoys, and even advanced space technology devices. With the price of cell phones declining, investments in small photovoltaic systems that support the supply of electricity to single-family homes and public buildings are becoming increasingly popular.

The most important component of a typical photovoltaic cell is crystalline silicon - the use of this cell allows for a relatively high efficiency in converting solar energy into electricity. In the design of each cell, we distinguish two semiconductor layers - type "p" and type "n". Closing an electrical circuit leads to the flow of current under the influence of solar radiation.

As a rule, in one cell the voltage is slightly higher than 0.5 V and 2 W of power, therefore, to obtain a more useful voltage and more power, the cells are combined into modules (also called panels). These include solar cells welded together, coated with an anti-reflective layer for better radiation absorption. Everything is protected by glass and the device is framed by aluminum frames.

Depending on the structure and production technology, we distinguish solar cells from monocrystalline, polycrystalline or amorphous silicon. Monocrystalline cells achieve the highest efficiency. We recognize them by their characteristic black color - they are used where the space for panel mounting is limited.

In turn, the cell's efficiency tells us what percentage of the sun's energy is converted into electricity. The higher the efficiency, the less area will be required to obtain the desired power from the solar module. Cell power is expressed in watts of peak power (from the English Watt Peak), indicated by the p index after the unit of watts or kilowatts (Wp, kWp). This value indicates the power of the cell tested under test conditions. However, under real-world conditions - the link rarely reaches the specified peak power.