Fundamentals Of Solar Cell Design

Solar cells are semiconductor devices that convert light photons into electricity in photovoltaic energy conversion and can help to overcome the global energy crisis. Solar cells have many applications including remote area power systems, earth-orbiting satellites, wristwatches, water pumping, photodetectors and remote radiotelephones. Solar cell technology is economically feasible for commercial-scale power generation. While commercial solar cells exhibit good performance and stability, still researchers are looking at many ways to improve the performance and cost of solar cells via modulating the fundamental properties of semiconductors. Solar cell technology is the key to a clean energy future. Solar cells directly harvest energy from the sun’s light radiation into electricity are in an ever-growing demand for future global energy production. Solar cell-based energy harvesting has attracted worldwide attention for their notable features, such as cheap renewable technology, scalable, lightweight, flexibility, versatility, no greenhouse gas emission, environment, and economy friendly and operational costs are quite low compared to other forms of power generation. Thus, solar cell technology is at the forefront of renewable energy technologies which are used in telecommunications, power plants, small devices to satellites. Aiming at large-scale implementation can be manipulated by various types used in solar cell design and exploration of new materials towards improving performance and reducing cost. Therefore, in-depth knowledge about solar cell design is fundamental for those who wish to apply this knowledge and understanding in industries and academics. This book provides a comprehensive overview on solar cells and explores the history to evolution and present scenarios of solar cell design, classification, properties, various semiconductor materials, thin films, wafer-scale, transparent solar cells, and so on. It also includes solar cells’ characterization analytical tools, theoretical modeling, practices to enhance conversion efficiencies, applications and patents.

Fundamentals of Solar Cells and Photovoltaic Systems Engineering presents all the major topics relevant to understanding photovoltaic technology, including the working principles of solar cells, modelling and measuring solar radiation, manufacturing processes for solar cells and photovoltaic modules, the design and operation of rooftop installations and large-scale power plants, the economics of such systems and the role of photovoltaic solar energy in the ongoing energy transition. Fundamentals of Solar Cells and Photovoltaic Systems Engineering is intended for use as a textbook on solar photovoltaics for upper-level undergraduate and graduate engineering students. Consists of 15 chapters including the basic theory, problems, with an available solutions manual, longer script-based problems, and an extra section with advanced topics, making the book appropriate for a university semester course on the topic Provides a basic understanding of topics such as semiconductor fundamentals, the pn junction, and the working principle of solar cells, for students without previous experience Covers the design and operation principles of rooftop installations and large-scale solar power plants Presents the IV curve and efficiency attained by solar cells, photovoltaic modules, and systems, how they are impacted by solar radiation and temperature, and how they can be measured Describes how silicon solar cells and photovoltaic modules are manufactured, as well as how they can be integrated into buildings, electric vehicles, agriculture lands, and space applications. Explains the reasons for the fast cost reduction of solar PV electricity and what this means for future energy systems

Edited by one of the most well-respected and prolific engineers in the world and his team, this book provides a comprehensive overview of solar cells and explores the history of evolution and present scenarios of solar cell design, classification, properties, various semiconductor materials, thin films, wafer-scale, transparent solar cells, and other fundamentals of solar cell design. Solar cells are semiconductor devices that convert light photons into electricity in photovoltaic energy conversion and can help to overcome the global energy crisis. Solar cells have many applications including remote area power systems, earth-orbiting satellites, wristwatches, water pumping, photodetectors and remote radiotelephones. Solar cell technology is economically feasible for commercial-scale power generation. While commercial solar cells exhibit good performance and stability, still researchers are looking at many ways to improve the performance and cost of solar cells via modulating the fundamental properties of semiconductors. Solar cell technology is the key to a clean energy future. Solar cells directly harvested energy from the sun’s light radiation into electricity are in an ever-growing demand for future global energy production. Solar cell-based energy harvesting has attracted worldwide attention for its notable features, such as cheap renewable technology, scalable, lightweight, flexibility, versatility, no greenhouse gas emission, and economy friendly and operational costs. Thus, solar cell technology is at the forefront of renewable energy technologies which are used in telecommunications, power plants, small devices to satellites. Large-scale implementation can be manipulated by various types used in solar cell design and exploration of new materials towards improving performance and reducing cost. Therefore, in-depth knowledge about solar cell design is fundamental for those who wish to apply this knowledge and understanding in industries and academics. This book provides a comprehensive overview on solar cells and explores the history to evolution and present scenarios of solar cell design, classification, properties, various semiconductor materials, thin films, wafer-scale, transparent solar cells, and so on. It also includes solar cells’ characterization, analytical tools, theoretical modeling, practices to enhance conversion efficiencies, applications and patents. This outstanding new volume: Provides state-of-the-art information about solar cells Is a unique reference guide for researchers in solar energy Includes novel innovations in the field of solar cell technology Audience: This book is a unique reference guide that can be used by faculty, students, researchers, engineers, device designers and industrialists who are working and learning in the fields of semiconductors, chemistry, physics, electronics, light science, material science, flexible energy conversion, industrial, and renewable energy sectors..

This textbook provides students with an introduction to the fundamentals and applications of solar photovoltaic systems, connecting the theory of solar photovoltaics and the practical applications of this very important source of energy. Chapters are written concisely in straightforward language that provides clear explanations of the concepts and principles, with an emphasis on humanitarian applications of photovoltaic systems and a focus on relatively small size systems that will make the book relatable to readers. It begins with an introduction and overview of the fundamentals of solar cell fabrication, module design, and performance along with an evaluation of solar resources. The book then moves on to address the details of individual components of photovoltaic systems, design of off-grid, hybrid, and distributed photovoltaic systems, and grid-tied photovoltaic systems based on the National Electrical Code (NEC). Coverage also includes a techno-economic analysis of solar photovoltaics, a discussion of the challenges and probable solutions of photovoltaic penetration into the utility grid, and an exploration of the potential of photovoltaic systems. Photovoltaic Systems: Fundamentals and Applications is designed to be used as an introductory textbook and professional training manual offering mathematical and conceptual insights that can be used to teach concepts, aid understanding of fundamentals, and act as a guide for sizing and designing practical systems.

Organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells have the potential to make a significant contribution to the increasing energy needs of the future. In this book, 15 chapters written by selected experts explore the required characteristics of components present in an OPV device, such as transparent electrodes, electron- and hole-conducting layers, as well as electron donor and acceptor materials. Design, preparation, and evaluation of these materials targeting highest performance are discussed. This includes contributions on modeling down to the molecular level to device-level electrical and optical testing and modeling, as well as layer morphology control and characterization. The integration of the different components in device architectures suitable for mass production is described. Finally, the technical feasibility and economic viability of large-scale manufacturing using fast inexpensive roll-to-roll deposition technologies is assessed.

Solar PV is now the third most important renewable energy source, after hydro and wind power, in terms of global installed capacity. Bringing together the expertise of international PV specialists Photovoltaic Solar Energy: From Fundamentals to Applications provides a comprehensive and up-to-date account of existing PV technologies in conjunction with an assessment of technological developments. Key features: Written by leading specialists active in concurrent developments in material sciences, solar cell research and application-driven R&D. Provides a basic knowledge base in light, photons and solar irradiance and basic functional principles of PV. Covers characterization techniques, economics and applications of PV such as silicon, thin-film and hybrid solar cells. Presents a compendium of PV technologies including: crystalline silicon technologies; chalcogenide thin film solar cells; thin-film silicon based PV technologies; organic PV and III-Vs; PV concentrator technologies; space technologies and economics, life-cycle and user aspects of PV technologies. Each chapter presents basic principles and formulas as well as major technological developments in a contemporary context with a look at future developments in this rapidly changing field of science and engineering. Ideal for industrial engineers and scientists beginning careers in PV as well as graduate students undertaking PV research and high-level undergraduate students.

This thoroughly revised text, now in its third edition, continues to provide a detailed discussion on all the aspects of solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies from physics of solar cells to manufacturing technologies, solar PV system design and their applications. The Third Edition includes a new chapter on “Advances in c-Si Cell Processes Suitable for Near Future Commercialization” (Chapter 8) to introduce the technological advancement in the commercial production to keep the readers up to date. Organized in three parts, Part I introduces the fundamental principles of solar cell operation and design, Part II explains various technologies to fabricate solar cells and PV modules and Part III focuses on the use of solar photovoltaics as part of the system for providing electrical energy. In addition to this, numerous chapter-end exercises are given to reinforce the understanding of the subject. The text is intended for the undergraduate and postgraduate students of engineering for their courses on solar photovoltaic technologies and renewable energy technologies. The book is of immense use for teachers, researchers and professionals working in the photovoltaic field. In a nutshell, this book is an absolute must-read for all those who want to understand and apply the basics behind photovoltaic devices and systems.

Practical Handbook of Photovoltaics, Third Edition, is a 'benchmark' publication for those involved in the design, manufacture and use of these devices. This fully revised handbook includes brand new sections on smart grids, net metering and the modeling of photovoltaic systems, as well as fully revised content on developments in photovoltaic applications, the economics of PV manufacturing and updated chapters on solar cell function, raw materials, photovoltaic standards, calibration and testing, all with new examples and case studies. The editor has assembled internationally-respected contributors from industry and academia around the world to make this a truly global reference. It is essential reading for electrical engineers, designers of systems, installers, architects, policymakers and physicists working with photovoltaics. Presents a cast of international experts from industry and academia to ensure the highest quality information from multiple stakeholder perspectives Covers all things photovoltaics, from the principles of solar cell function and their raw materials, to the installation and design of full photovoltaic systems Includes case studies, practical examples, and reports on the latest advances and worldwide applications