PRESENTATION
ON SOLAR
CELL
BY SNEHA VASHISTHA
ENROLL NO. – 2022BELE073
What is a Solar Cell?
A solar cell (also known as a photovoltaic cell or PV cell)
is defined as an electrical device that converts light
energy into electrical energy through the photovoltaic
effect. A solar cell is basically a p-n junction diode. Solar
cells are a form of photoelectric cell, defined as a device
whose electrical characteristics – such as current,
voltage, or resistance – vary when exposed to light.
Individual solar cells can be combined to form modules
commonly known as solar panels. The common single
junction silicon solar cell can produce a maximum open-
circuit voltage of approximately 0.5 to 0.6 volts. By itself
this isn’t much – but remember these solar cells are
tiny. When combined into a large solar panel,
considerable amounts of renewable energy can be
generated.
Construction of Solar Cell
A solar cell is basically a junction diode, although
its construction it is little bit different from
conventional p-n junction diodes. A very thin
layer of p-type semiconductor is grown on a
relatively thicker n-type semiconductor. We then
apply a few finer electrodes on the top of the p-
type semiconductor layer.
These electrodes do not obstruct light to reach
the thin p-type layer. Just below the p-type layer
there is a p-n junction. We also provide a current
collecting electrode at the bottom of the n-type
layer. We encapsulate the entire assembly by
thin glass to protect the solar cell from any
mechanical shock.
Working Principle of Solar Cell
When light reaches the p-n junction, the light
photons can easily enter in the junction, through
very thin p-type layer. The light energy, in the
form of photons, supplies sufficient energy to the
junction to create a number of electron-hole
pairs. The incident light breaks the thermal
equilibrium condition of the junction. The free
electrons
Similarly, in
thethe depletion
holes region cancan
in the depletion quickly
quickly
come to the n-type
p-type side of the junction. Once, the
newly created free electrons come to the n-type
side, cannot further cross the junction because of
barrier potential
Similarly, the newlyof the junction.
created holes once come to
the p-type side cannot further cross the junction
became of same barrier potential of the junction.
As the concentration of electrons becomes higher
in one side, i.e. n-type side of the junction and
concentration of holes becomes more in another
side, i.e. the p-type side of the junction, the p-n
junction will behave like a small battery cell. A
voltage is set up which is known as photo voltage.
Materials Used in Solar Cell
The materials which are used for this purpose must
have band gap close to 1.5ev. Commonly used
materials are-
• Silicon.
• GaAs.
• CdTe.
• CuInSe2
Advantages of Solar Cell
• No pollution associated with it.
• It must last for a long time.
• No maintenance cost.
Uses of Solar Generation Systems
• It may be used to charge batteries.
• Used in light meters.
• It is used to power calculators and wrist
watches.
• It can be used in spacecraft to provide electrical
energy.
Thank
you !
