The solar photovoltaic cell is responsible for converting solar energy into electrical energy and is a critical component of the solar energy system. The use of new materials improves the overall performance of the solar energy system and enables its application in new areas.
Let’s delve into the world of photovoltaics. Silicon solar cells are by far the most common type of solar cell used in the market today, accounting for about 90% of the global solar cell market.
Although photovoltaic panels are not a new invention, the technology continues to evolve and grow. Thin-film solar cells, the least efficient option in the production of solar panels, are the cheapest but have the most potential.
This approach is in line with the global preference for crystalline silicon solar modules, which dominate over 80% of the commercial market. The journey to manufacture photovoltaic cells begins by shaping silicon ingots into wafers. This is done with diamond-coated wire saws that are incredibly precise.
Hybrid cell solar photovoltaics are developed by combining crystalline and non-crystalline silicon. Although they have higher efficiency compared to conventional solar cells, their manufacturing process is complex.
Solar photovoltaics are reliable, clean, scalable, provide affordable energy, and are cost-effective in the long term. Countries such as China, Japan, the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom are shifting towards novel photovoltaic materials for the improved performance of existing solar energy systems.