Duration: 10min Grades: 6 - 8 CCSS, NGSS
Solar Cell
Renewable Energy
SEMICONDUCTORS
TEACHER: DR. GEETA MONGIA MAM
Project by: Md Faizan
2403018
Introduction
A solar cell, also known as a
photovoltaic (PV) cell, is an electronic
device that converts sunlight directly
into electricity through the
photovoltaic effect. It is the basic
building block of solar panels, widely
used for renewable energy
applications.
Click on the model to interact
Structure of a Solar Cell
Frame: A structural component that supports
and secures the photovoltaic cells.
Anti-reflection coating: Prevents light from reflecting
back towards the sun, which would otherwise be wasted.
Conducting material layer: A thin metal layer that sits on
the top of the semiconductor layer.
Semiconductor layer: A layer made of a semiconductor
material that doesn’t usually conduct electricity.
Semiconductor layer(p-n Junction) made
of silicon or other semiconducting
materials.
The junction between p-type(positive) and
n-type(negative) semiconducting creates
an electric field.
Back contact conducts electrons back into
the external circuit.
Encapsulation and Glass layer protects the
cell from environment factors like dust,
moisture, and impact.
Working Principle
The working of a solar cell is based on the photovoltaic
effect, discovered by Edmond Becquerel in 1839.
1. Photon Absorption: When sunlight hits the solar cell,
photons and are absorbed by the semiconductor
material (usually silicon).
This energy excites the electrons, freeing them from
their atomic bonds.
2. Formation of Electron-Hole Pairs: The energy creates
electron-hole pairs (negatively charged electrons and
positively charged holes).
3. Separation of Charges: The built-in field at the p-n
junction drives the electrons to the n-side and holes to
the p-side.
4. Electric Current Generation: The flow of electrons
through an external circuit generates electricity.
5. Power Output: The cell produces a DC output, which
can be converted to AC using an inverter for practical
use.
Types of Solar Cells:
1.Thin-Film Solar Cells: Made by depositing
thin layers of photovoltaic material on a substrate.
Materials Used: Amorphous silicon, cadmium
telluride (CdTe), CIGS(Copper Indium Gallium
Selenide).
Efficiency: Lower(~10-15%).
Features: Lightweight, flexible, less costly.
Output:Thin-film solar panels have a power
generation capacity of 50-60 watts per square
meter per hour
2. Polycrystalline Silicon Solar Cells: Made from
multiple silicon crystals melted together.
Efficiency: Moderate(~15-20%).
Features: Cheaper, blue hue with visible
grainy texture.
Output: A polycrystalline cell produces
about 150-170 Watts per square meter
per hour.
3. Monocrystalline Silicon Solar Cells: Made from single
crystal of silicon.
Efficiency: High (~20–25%).
Features: Long lifespan, more
expensive, uniform black color.
Output: A monocrystalline cel produces
220-400 Watts per square meters per
hour
4. Organic Solar Cells: Use organic materials like
polymers.
Efficiency: Low (~10%).
Features: Flexible, lightweight, suitable
for niche applications.
Output: 100–200 watts per square
meter per hour
5. Perovskite Solar Cells: Use hybrid organic-
inorganic perovskite materials.
Efficiency: Rapidly improving (~20–
25%).
Features: Cheaper to produce,
potential for high efficiency.
Output: 150–200 Watts per square
meter per hour.
6. Concentrated Solar Cells (CSC): Use lenses or mirrors to focus sunlight on
high-efficiency cells. The concentrated sunlight is directed onto a high-efficiency
multi-junction solar cell made of materials like gallium arsenide (GaAs).
Efficiency: Very high (~30–40%).
Features: Requires direct sunlight
and tracking systems.
Output: 600–1,000 watts per
square meter per hour.
Solar Cell I-V Characteristic Curve:
The graph of a solar cell's
characteristics is called an I-V curve, or
current-voltage characteristic curve.
Advantages of Solar Cells:
1. It is simple electronic device which converts solar energy into electricity.
2. They do not have any movable mechanical components.
3. This device can be operated without any maintenance for long time.
4. They can be made in series for suitable load requirement.
5. No special skills are required to operate this device.
6. Their reliability of working is quite high
7. They generate power without any pollution; hence they give green power.
8. Their applications are very wide. They are used in small calculator to devices used in space
and at home.
Disadvantages of Solar Cells:
1. It can generate electricity only during day time. They do not give energy during night time.
2. Electrical energy storage devices like batteries are required when sun rays are not available
during night or cloudy weather.
3. Efficiency of solar cell is in between 6% to 20% only.
4. The solar panels require large area to install.
Applications of Solar Cells:
1.Residential Solar Panels: Power homes and buildings.
2.Solar Farms: Large-scale electricity production.
3.Space Technology: Power satellites and spacecraft.
4.Portable Electronics: Power calculators, chargers, and
lamps.
5.Transportation: Used in solar cars, boats, and aircraft.
Future of Solar Cells:
• Advancements in nanotechnology and quantum dots are
paving the way for more efficient, flexible, and cost-
effective solar cells.
• Integration with smart grids and energy storage systems
will make solar energy more accessible.
Working of Solar Cells
THANK YOU
