Solar Cells: From Materials to Device Technology

A solar cell refers to a type of device that transforms light into electrical energy by directly using the photovoltaic effect technology. Majority of the solar cells are made using silicon, which is the most common semiconductor material. Solar cells are usually made from n-type and p-type silicon semiconductors. The cells can be organized as arrays, which are made up of thousands of individual cells. These arrays can serve as an electric power plant, which generates electrical energy using sunlight for distribution in residential, industrial and commercial areas. Solar cell panels are also utilized to generate electricity in numerous distant terrestrial regions, where conventional electric power sources are either unavailable or impractical to install. Solar cells are used frequently in power consumer devices such as portable radios, electronic toys and pocket calculators. This book unfolds the concepts and innovative models around prospective developments with respect to solar cells materials and device technology. It is a resource guide for experts as well as students.