I generation solar PV cells The solar PV cells based on crystalline-silicon, both monocrystalline (m-crystalline) and polycrystalline (p-crystalline) come under the first generation solar PV cells. The name given to crystalline silicon based solar PV cells has been derived from the way that is used to manufacture them.
In 1893 the photovoltaic effect was reported leading to actual photovoltaic solar cells (PVScs) that can produce electricity from solar radiation taking into consideration the Schockly-Queisser efficiency limitations.
Most commonly, the VOC of solar PV cells has been noticed between 0.5 and 0.6 V. The VOC of solar PV cells is generally determined by the difference in the quasi Fermi levels.
The non-crystalline form of Si-based solar PV cells is termed as a-Si. The a-Si based solar PV cells are thin and its variety of compounds includes “a-Si nitride, a-Si germanium m-crystalline silicon and a-Si carbide” with the PCE of about 5–7%.
The polymers/organic solar PV cells can also be categorized into dye-sensitized organic solar PV cells (DSSC), photoelectrochemical solar PV cells, plastic (polymer) and organic photovoltaic devices (OPVD) with the difference in their mechanism of operation , , .
The different physical principles are associated with the operation of different solar PV cells. However, the all well performing solar PV cells possess similar I-V characteristics and can be compared or characterized with each other on behalf of four factors viz. VOC, ISC, FF and PCE. 5. Comparative analysis of solar PV cell materials