What is a solar cell & how does it work?

Solar cell, any device that directly converts the energy of light into electrical energy through the photovoltaic effect. The majority of solar cells are fabricated from silicon—with increasing efficiency and lowering cost as the materials range from amorphous to polycrystalline to crystalline silicon forms.

What are solar cells used for?

(Solar power is insufficient for space probes sent to the outer planets of the solar system or into interstellar space, however, because of the diffusion of radiant energy with distance from the Sun.) Solar cells have also been used in consumer products, such as electronic toys, handheld calculators, and portable radios.

Why are PV solar cells in high demand?

Photovoltaic (PV) solar cells are in high demand as they are environmental friendly, sustainable, and renewable sources of energy. The PV solar cells have great potential to dominate the energy sector. Therefore, a continuous development is required to improve their efficiency.

When did solar cells become more efficient?

However, the silicon-based PV solar cells were further refined by the beginning of the twentieth century, and the PV solar cell with an efficiency of 24% was produced . Less than a decade later, scientists developed silicon solar cells with an increased electricity return rate by applying space-age materials .

How was the first solar cell made?

After that, the solar cell was built by using gold thin film–coated selenium sheets . Moreover, the Bell Laboratory produced the first crystal PV cell in 1954, which had an efficiency of 4%, which means that only 4% of the solar energy was converted into electrical energy .

Why are CdTe-based solar cells more efficient?

Since CdTe-based PV solar cells are built on the multi-junction idea, they can reach high efficiencies attributed to several bandgaps involved in the process. A more significant photon energy segment is lost in the form of heat, whereas the photons’ powers are below the bandgap due to lack of absorption.