This section will introduce and detail the basic characteristics and operating principles of crystalline silicon PV cells as some considerations for designing systems using PV cells. A PV cell is essentially a large-area p–n semiconductor junction that captures the energy from photons to create electrical energy.
A silicon photovoltaic (PV) cell converts the energy of sunlight directly into electricity—a process called the photovoltaic effect—by using a thin layer or wafer of silicon that has been doped to create a PN junction. The depth and distribution of impurity atoms can be controlled very precisely during the doping process.
Photovoltaic (PV) cells, or solar cells, are semiconductor devices that convert solar energy directly into DC electric energy. In the 1950s, PV cells were initially used for space applications to power satellites, but in the 1970s, they began also to be used for terrestrial applications.
Silicon solar cells are the most broadly utilized of all solar cell due to their high photo-conversion efficiency even as single junction photovoltaic devices. Besides, the high relative abundance of silicon drives their preference in the PV landscape.
When sunlight strikes the surface of a PV cell, this electrical field provides momentum and direction to light-stimulated electrons, resulting in a flow of current when the solar cell is connected to an electrical load Phosphorous-doped (N-type) silicon layer ~0.3:m (Negative) Boron-doped (P-type) silicon layer ~250:m (Positive) Metal Contacts
Solar cells exploit the optoelectronic properties of semiconductors to produce the photovoltaic (PV) effect: the transformation of solar radiation energy (photons) into electrical energy. Note that the photovoltaic and photoelectric effects are related, but they are not the same.