Looking for PV-Lab (Photovoltaic Labs ) on the web I found this video which explains the process of the development of silicon (Si) solar cells. It seems interesting so I want to share it with you. The most efficient silicon solar cells in 2020 are developed using Si-heterojunctions (26.7% lab and 24.4% module) [1]. The junction is formed between the crystalline silicon (Eg = 1.12 eV ) and amorphous silicon (Eg = 1.75 eV) deposited on each face of the wafer. This difference in energy gaps gives the name heterojunction to this technology.
Solar cells are the LEGO Bricks of a Photovoltaic module. These modules are connected and mounted on the roof of homes to transform sunlight into electric energy.
Basic configuration: Contact/a-Si:H(p-type)/intrinsic layer/Crystalline silicon wafer/intrinsic layer/a-Si:H(n-Type)/Contact.
When this technology is laminated or in other words the solar cell is protected from the outdoor environment, we can expect a lifetime of 25-30 years with minimum degradation. Yes, degradation happens on every technology but in this case, it happens due to sun exposure (Ultraviolet radiation).
Electric energy generated from a PV-Module should be converter into AC-Current through an inverter, then it will be delivered to your home plugs for your daily use.
If you have the opportunity to get this technology do not hesitate, you will be able to produce energy each day, harvesting free energy from the sunlight. This is amazing! Energy is out there, your imagination is the limit for technological applications. Where have you seen it?
Reference:
[1] M.A. Green, E.D. Dunlop, J. Hohl-Ebinger, M. Yoshita, N. Kopidakis, A.W.Y. Ho-Baillie, Solar cell efficiency tables (Version 55), Prog. Photovolt: Res. Appl. 28 (2019) 3–15. doi:10.1002/pip.3228.
