Physics, technology and use of photovoltaics

Book · Wed Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1986

OSTI ID:5663116

VanOverstraeten, R; Mertens, R

Photovoltaic solar energy conversion is a field that has been researched since the 1950s and which now offers one of the most promising methods for dealing with our future energy needs. It is hoped that by the 1990s, manufacturing costs will have decreased sufficiently enough to make photovoltaics an economical, large-scale source of energy. This text deals with all aspects of the subject, introducing the reader to the physics of photovoltaic solar energy conversion with general considerations applying to all types of cells. This is followed by consideration of the device physics of the most important types including crystalline silicon cells and various thin-film structures. Much of the book is devoted to the technology of the different cells, and gives a basis from which the reader should be able to compare the different solar cell technologies and also to design photovoltaic systems. It concludes with discussions on testing of solar cells and modules, photovoltaic systems and existing applications.

• OSTI ID: 5663116
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140501 -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Photovoltaic Conversion
140600* -- Solar Energy-- Photovoltaic Power Systems
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
CONVERSION
DESIGN
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
ENERGY CONVERSION
EQUIPMENT
FILMS
FORECASTING
MANUFACTURING
MODULAR STRUCTURES
PERFORMANCE TESTING
PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC CONVERSION
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SUPPLIES
POWER SUPPLIES
SILICON SOLAR CELLS
SOLAR CELLS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
TESTING
THIN FILMS
USES