A photovoltaic cell (or solar cell) is an electronic device that converts energy from sunlight into electricity. This process is called the photovoltaic effect. Solar cells are essential for photovoltaic systems that capture energy from the sun and convert it into useful electricity for our homes and devices.
The three main types of photovoltaic (PV) cell include two types of crystalline semiconductors (Monocrystalline, Polycrystalline) and amorphous silicon thin film. These three types account for the most market share. Two other types of PV cells that do not rely on the PN junction are dye-sensitized solar cells and organic photovoltaic cell.
Acronym: PV cells Definition: semiconductor devices which generate electrical energy from light energy Alternative terms: solar cells, PV cells More specific terms: monocrystalline or polycrystalline cells, thin-film solar cells, organic solar cells, tandem cells, bifacial cells
This process is called the photovoltaic effect. Solar cells are essential for photovoltaic systems that capture energy from the sun and convert it into useful electricity for our homes and devices. Solar cells are made of materials that absorb light and release electrons.
Photovoltaic cells are made from a variety of semiconductor materials that vary in performance and cost. Basically, there are three main categories of conventional solar cells: monocrystalline semiconductor, the polycrystalline semiconductor, an amorphous silicon thin-film semiconductor.
PV cells can be made from many different types of materials and be using a range of fabrication techniques. As shown in Figure 1, the major categories of PV materials are crystalline silicon (Si), thin film, multi-junction, and various emerging technologies like dye-sensitized, perovskite, and organic PV cells.
A photovoltaic cell essentially consists of a large planar p–n junction, i.e., a region of contact between layers of n- and p-doped semiconductor material, where both layers are electrically contacted (see below). The junction extends over the …