What is a monocrystalline solar cell?

A monocrystalline solar cell is fabricated using single crystals of silicon by a procedure named as Czochralski progress. Its efficiency of the monocrystalline lies between 15% and 20%. It is cylindrical in shape made up of silicon ingots.

How are monocrystalline silicon PV cells made?

Monocrystalline silicon PV cells are produced with the Czochralski method, generated from single silicon crystals. Their manufacturing process is quite expensive since they require a specific processing period. Their energy pay-back time is around 3–4 years (Ghosh, 2020). Their efficiency varies between 16 and 24 %.

What is a monocrystalline silicon cell?

Monocrystalline silicon cells are the cells we usually refer to as silicon cells. As the name implies, the entire volume of the cell is a single crystal of silicon. It is the type of cells whose commercial use is more widespread nowadays (Fig. 8.18). Fig. 8.18. Back and front of a monocrystalline silicon cell.

How is a monocrystal made?

The final production of the monocrystal can be done by the process known as Czochralski. The final result is a circular bar of silicon (ingot, ingot), which can measure several meters and have a diameter of several inches.

How are multicrystalline cells made?

Multicrystalline cells are produced using numerous grains of monocrystalline silicon. In the manufacturing process, molten multicrystalline silicon is cast into ingots, which are subsequently cut into very thin wafers and assembled into complete cells.

What are the disadvantages of monocrystalline silicon cells?

The disadvantage of these cells is that a complicated manufacturing process is required to produce monocrystalline silicon, which results in slightly higher costs than those of other technologies . Crystalline silicon cell technology is well established and the PV modules have long lifetimes (20 years or more) .