Chapter 2 How does photovoltaic work?

Before we can compare the different materials its good take a look at the main principle of photovoltaic. How it is possible that we can convert sunlight into electricity, how does the process works. The following explanation uses a silicon solar panel. The role of photovoltaic is to convert sunlight into electricity. Sunlight is composed of photons of solar energy. However, these photons contain various amounts of energy corresponding to the different wavelengths of the solar spectrum. When photons hit a PV cell, beam can be reflected or absorbed. Only the absorbed photons generate electricity. PV cells have two separates layers which are sandwiched together. The result of this combination is to induce electric field. These layers are "p" and "n" types of semiconductors correspond to "positive" and "negative". So, when the p-type and n-type semiconductors are sandwiched together, the excess electrons in the n-type material flow to the p-type, and the holes thereby vacated during this process flow to the n-type. Through this electron and hole flow will create an electric field at the surface where they meet ("junction"). The result of this field will make the electrons to jump from the semiconductor out toward the surface and make them available for the electrical circuit. At this same time, the holes move in the opposite direction, toward the positive surface, where they await incoming electrons.

Graphic 2.1 How does photovoltaic work

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3.1.1 First Generation

First-generation characterized by single junction. The material which are part of this generation, have the largest area of applicability, with a high-quality. Also, this technology involves high energy and labour inputs which prevent any significant progress in reducing production costs. The advantage is payback period and efficiency.

3.1.2 Second Generation

Second-generation is characterized by thin film. Some manufacturing techniques used for these materials part of this generation, reduce high temperature processing. Production costs will be dominated by constituent material requirements, whether this is a silicon substrate or a glass cover. However, the most successful second-generation materials have been cadmium telluride (CdTe), copper indium gallium selenide, amorphous silicon and micromorphous silicon. These materials promise an higger efficiency and cheaper production costs

3.1.3 Third Generation

Third-generation its a complement for second generation. These materials aim is to enhance poor electrical performance of second-generation while maintaining low production costs. Current research is to have an efficiency of 3060% while retaining low cost materials and manufacturing techniques. 1. Fundamentals of Photovoltaic Modules and Their Applications, G. N. Tiwari and Swapnil Dubey, Centre for Energy Studies, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, New Delhi, India, 2010