Price: $58.00
(as of Dec 01,2024 20:34:14 UTC – Details)

ASIN ‏ : ‎ 1860943497
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Imperial College Press; 1st edition (May 14, 2003)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 384 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9781860943492
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1860943492
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.2 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.12 x 0.85 x 9.1 inches

Solar cells, also known as photovoltaic cells, are devices that convert sunlight into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. This process relies on the physics of semiconductor materials to generate an electric current when exposed to sunlight.

Semiconductor materials, such as silicon, are crucial components of solar cells due to their unique properties. These materials have a band gap, which is the energy difference between the valence band (where electrons are bound) and the conduction band (where electrons are free to move). When sunlight hits the semiconductor material, photons with enough energy can excite electrons from the valence band to the conduction band, creating electron-hole pairs.

These electron-hole pairs then move through the semiconductor material, generating an electric current. The movement of these charges is facilitated by the electric field within the solar cell, which is created by the junction between different types of semiconductor materials (p-type and n-type). The p-n junction allows for the separation of electrons and holes, leading to the flow of current when an external circuit is connected.

Additionally, the efficiency of a solar cell is influenced by factors such as the material’s band gap, absorption coefficient, and carrier mobility. By optimizing these properties, researchers can improve the performance of solar cells and increase their conversion efficiency.

In conclusion, the physics of semiconductor materials play a crucial role in the operation of solar cells. Understanding these properties and optimizing them can lead to more efficient and cost-effective solar energy technology.
#PHYSICS #SOLAR #CELLS #Properties #Semiconductor #Materials