Good morning everyone!
Today we will be discussing photovoltaic cell technology. Photovoltaic cells, also known as solar cells, convert sunlight directly into electrical energy.
To understand how solar cells work, let’s review some basics of electricity. Essentially, electricity is the flow of electrons from a negative region to a positive region. In the case of a photovoltaic cell, light energy from the sun is absorbed by the photovoltaic cell, causing the electrons to move and allowing electricity to be generated.
Solar cells vary in size, shape and material, but all work in the same basic way. Photovoltaic cells are composed of two layers of semiconductor material. Typically, the lower layer of the semiconductor is made of silicon and the top layer consists of an element such as phosphorus or boron which has a higher affinity for electrons. When light energy from the sun is absorbed into the solar cell, electrons from the lower layer of the semiconductor get excited and travel to the higher electron energy level of the upper layer.
This flow of electrons generates an electric current and enables photovoltaic cells to generate electricity. The amount of voltage or current produced by solar cells depends on the type of material used, the size of the solar cell, and the amount of sunlight it is exposed to.
So far we’ve talked about how a basic solar cell functions. Now let’s discuss some of the different types of photovoltaic cells available on the market today.
The most commonly used type of solar cells are monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar cells. Monocrystalline cells are made from one silicone crystal structure, while polycrystalline cells are made up of multiple crystal structures. While monocrystalline cells have a higher efficiency than polycrystalline cells, they can be more expensive.
Other types of solar cells include thin-film solar cells, gallium arsenide solar cells, and organic photovoltaic cells. Thin-film cells are made from a thin layer of semiconductor material, and require less material to manufacture than traditional solar cells. Gallium arsenide solar cells are fabricated from two layers of gallium arsenide and can absorb a wider spectrum of light resulting in enhanced efficiency. Organic photovoltaic cells are made from organic materials and are ideal for small devices and sensors.
Finally, let’s discuss some of the advantages and disadvantages of photovoltaic cell technology. Solar cells have no moving parts, require minimal maintenance, and can generate electricity even in low light conditions. However, solar cells can be expensive to purchase and installation costs can also be high.
In conclusion, photovoltaic cell technology is a promising renewable energy option. Photovoltaic cells can be used in residential and commercial settings and provide a clean and reliable source of energy. With the right materials, photovoltaic cells can be very efficient and cost-effective, making them a viable option for many energy needs.
I hope you found this lecture on photovoltaic cell technology helpful. Thank you!