Basic photovoltaic principles and methods

Book · Sun Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1984

OSTI ID:6102924

Using clear explanations and graphics, this book demonstrates photovoltaic cell function, manufacture, and integration into effective energy-producing systems. After a concise overview of photovoltaics and the solar spectrum, the authors examine electrical production in solar cells at the photon, electron, semiconductor, and crystal levels. While discussing the PV cell's major loss mechanism, they explore the efficiencies of sunlight-to-electricity conversion and describe various layers of semiconductor material, oxides, and conductors. Typical fabrication methods, advances in fabrication, and cell operation roles are covered. This work also investigates a new PV technology based on an alternative form of silicon capable of producing conversion efficiencies of 10% to 15%.

• OSTI ID: 6102924
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
SILICON SOLAR CELLS
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
FABRICATION
OPERATION
DOCUMENT TYPES
GRAPHS
LOSSES
PERFORMANCE
PHOTOVOLTAIC CONVERSION
REVIEWS
SEMICONDUCTOR MATERIALS
CONVERSION
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
EFFICIENCY
ENERGY CONVERSION
EQUIPMENT
MATERIALS
PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
SOLAR CELLS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
140501* - Solar Energy Conversion- Photovoltaic Conversion