How does a photovoltaic cell work?

Photovoltaic Cell Defined: A photovoltaic cell, also known as a solar cell, is defined as a device that converts light into electricity using the photovoltaic effect. Working Principle: The solar cell working principle involves converting light energy into electrical energy by separating light-induced charge carriers within a semiconductor.

What is photovoltaic effect?

This interaction between sunlight and solar cells is termed the photovoltaic effect. The phenomenon was discovered by Edmond Becquerel in 1839. When we close the circuit by connecting the upper and rear end of the solar cell, the excited electrons flow into the circuit. The diagram below depicts the same. Simple working of a solar cell

What is a transparent photovoltaic (TPV)?

Introduction Transparent photovoltaics (TPVs) absorb incident sunlight and convert it into electricity while allowing transmittance of visible light through the devices. Due to their aesthetic benefits, TPV devices can be applied to actively control building energy utilization by managing daylighting, thermal comfort, and electric power generation.

Can a solar cell generate photocurrent if the passivation layer is blocked?

If the flow of the majority carriers is also blocked by the passivation layer, the solar cell cannot generate any photocurrent. An effective way to achieve the desired carrier selectivity (to block the minority carriers but allow the majority carries) is the use of a doped layer.

Is a semiconductor suitable for photovoltaic conversion?

The adequacy of a semiconductor for photovoltaic conversion depends on several optical and electronic properties. Before diving into the analysis of those properties, it is necessary to introduce a simplified energy model of semiconductors, which will provide us with an essential framework.

Which material is used for constructing a photovoltaic cell?

Silicon is the most widely used semiconductor material for constructing the photovoltaic cell. The silicon atom has four valence electrons. In a solid crystal, each silicon atom shares each of its four valence electrons with another nearest silicon atom hence creating covalent bonds between them.