What is photostatic or photovoltaic cells?
The need for alternative energy sources continues to rise as global warming becomes a reality. In this article, we discuss and expound on Photostatic or Photovoltaic cells. Solar panels are mainly made up of solar cells known as photovoltaic cells, (PV cells). “Photo” means light and “voltaic” means electricity. These are devices that tap or capture part of the energy of light photons and pass it to a capacitor (energy storage medium) or another device in the form of electricity.
Solar photo-voltaic power is becoming more and more mainstream as the prices come down and become competitive with traditional fossil fuels.
Solar Panel Construction
A cell consists of a p-type and n-type wafers of doped silicon. These wafers are in contact to create a junction. Although very thin, one cell can measure about 100 mm across. A cell can produce about 0.7 volts. However, the maximum power produced usually is 0.4 volts.
The cells are made of special materials known as semiconductors. Silicon is the commonly used semiconductors. When the sun rays strike the cells, some amount of energy is absorbed by the semiconductor material. Therefore, energy absorbed from light is transferred to Silicon. The energy makes electrons move freely. The electric field created forces electrons to move in a particular direction.
A cell consists of a p-type and n-type wafers of doped silicon. These wafers are in contact to create a junction. Although very thin, one cell can measure about 100 mm across. A cell can produce about 0.7 volts. However, the maximum power produced usually is 0.4 volts.
These cells are interconnected to form a module. Protection layers are added to protect your panels from harsh weather conditions. This is what is known as the solar panel or solar module.
These cells are laid on a tough backing plate. The grid of all electrical connections lies below and above these cells. They are then connected in series or parallel. Over them is a non-reflective layer such as silicon. Silicon is used to increase absorption of light. Finally, on the top is a layer of special glass. The complete structure is enclosed in an aluminum frame, protected against the weather. Learning something?
Working MechanismThese cells are laid on a tough backing plate. The grid of all electrical connections lies below and above these cells. They are then connected in series or parallel. Over them is a non-reflective layer such as silicon. Silicon is used to increase absorption of light. Finally, on the top is a layer of special glass. The complete structure is enclosed in an aluminum frame, protected against the weather. Learning something?
The cells are made of special materials known as semiconductors. Silicon is the commonly used semiconductors. When the sun rays strike the cells, some amount of energy is absorbed by the semiconductor material. Therefore, energy absorbed from light is transferred to Silicon. The energy makes electrons move freely. The electric field created forces electrons to move in a particular direction.
The flow of electrons is current. You can tap the current for external use by placing metal contacts at bottom and top of PV cell. The current and voltage of the cell determine its power (wattage).
Energy Loss in a Solar Cell
Visible light forms are part of electromagnetic spectrum. This light is not monochromatic as it is made of a broad range of wavelengths. Therefore, they have different wavelengths. This is evident with the rainbow.
The light that hits the PV cell has a broad range of energies. Some of this energy will not change the electron-hole pair defined by the solar cell. Therefore, it will pass as if it was transparent. If the photon has extra energy than what the cell requires, then the additional energy is lost. These two scenarios account for over 70% of radiation energy.
Energy Loss in a Solar Cell
Visible light forms are part of electromagnetic spectrum. This light is not monochromatic as it is made of a broad range of wavelengths. Therefore, they have different wavelengths. This is evident with the rainbow.
The light that hits the PV cell has a broad range of energies. Some of this energy will not change the electron-hole pair defined by the solar cell. Therefore, it will pass as if it was transparent. If the photon has extra energy than what the cell requires, then the additional energy is lost. These two scenarios account for over 70% of radiation energy.
In our next articles, we will share with you the advantages of solar photovoltaic systems and how to power your house with the same. Stay tuned. You can also learn more from our previous articles.
