McEvoy's Handbook of Photovoltaics

Fundamentals and Applications

Soteris Kalogirou

• Publisher: Academic Press
• Year: 2017
• eBook ISBN: 9780128103975
• Edition: 3
• Topic: Technology & Engineering
• Subtopic: Environmental Science
• Index: Technology & Engineering

Practical Handbook of Photovoltaics, Third Edition, is a 'benchmark' publication for those involved in the design, manufacture and use of these devices. This fully revised handbook includes brand new sections on smart grids, net metering and the modeling of photovoltaic systems, as well as fully revised content on developments in photovoltaic applications, the economics of PV manufacturing and updated chapters on solar cell function, raw materials, photovoltaic standards, calibration and testing, all with new examples and case studies. The editor has assembled internationally-respected contributors from industry and academia around the world to make this a truly global reference. It is essential reading for electrical engineers, designers of systems, installers, architects, policymakers and physicists working with photovoltaics. - Presents a cast of international experts from industry and academia to ensure the highest quality information from multiple stakeholder perspectives - Covers all things photovoltaics, from the principles of solar cell function and their raw materials, to the installation and design of full photovoltaic systems - Includes case studies, practical examples, and reports on the latest advances and worldwide applications

Part I-1

Solar Cells

Outline

Chapter I-1-A Principles of Solar Cell Operation

Chapter I-1-B Semiconductor Materials and Modeling

Chapter I-1-C Ideal Efficiencies

Chapter I-1-A

Principles of Solar Cell Operation

Tom Markvart¹ and Luis Castañer², ¹University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom, ²Universidad Politecnica de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain

Abstract

The two steps in photovoltaic energy conversion in solar cells are described using the ideal solar cell, the Shockley solar cell equation, and the Boltzmann constant. Also described are solar cell characteristics in practice; the quantum efficiency of a solar cell; the optical properties of solar cells, including antireflection properties, transmission, and light trapping; typical solar cell structures, including the p–n junction, uniform emitter and base, diffused emitter, heterojunction cells, p–i–n structure, and series resistance.

Keywords

Electron–hole pair; Shockley solar cell equation; superposition principle; quantum efficiency; spectral response; quarter-wavelength rule; p–n junction; uniform emitter and base; diffused emitter; internal quantum efficiency; uniform doping model; heterojunction cells; heteroface solar cell; p–i–n junction; series resistance

This chapter was previously featured in the 2nd edition and reproduced with minor modifications.

1 Introduction

Photovoltaic energy conversion in solar cells consists of two essential steps. First, absorption of light generates an electron–hole pair. The electron and hole are then separated by the structure of the device—electrons to the negative terminal and holes to the positive terminal—thus generating electrical power.

This process is illustrated in Fig. 1, which shows the principal features of the typical solar cells in use today. Each cell is depicted in two ways. One diagram shows the physical structure of the device and the dominant electron-transport processes that contribute to the energy-conversion process. The same processes are shown on the band diagram of the semiconductor, or energy levels in the molecular devices.

Figure 1 (A) The structure of crystalline silicon solar cell, the typical solar cell in use today. The bulk of the cell is formed by a thick p-type base in which most of the incident light is absorbed and most power is generated. After light absorption the minority carriers (electrons) diffuse to the junction where they are swept across by the strong built-in electric field. The electrical power is collected by metal contacts to the front and bac...

Table of contents

• Cover image
• Title page
• Table of Contents
• Copyright
• Dedication
• List of Contributors
• Biography
• Preface to the Third Edition
• Preface to the Second Edition
• Preface to the First Edition
• Part I-1: Solar Cells
• Part I-2: Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells
• Part I-3: Thin Film Technologies
• Part I-4: Space and Concentrator Cells
• Part- I-5: Dye-Sensitized and Organic Solar Cells
• Part II-1: Photovoltaic Systems
• Part II-2: Balance-of-System Components
• PART II-3: Grid-Connected Systems
• Part II-4: Space and Concentrator Systems
• Part-II-5: Case Studies
• Part III: Testing, Monitoring, and Calibration
• Part IV: Environment and Health
• Appendices
• Index