Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology converts sunlight into electricity. PV cells are made of semiconductor materials. Essentially, when light strikes the cell, it causes electrons to be knocked loose from their atoms. Conductive metal contacts on the top and bottom of the cell collect these electrons and form an electrical current.
PV systems can be used to generate electricity for a single application, such as a calculator, or they can be connected to the electrical grid to provide power to an entire community. With that, the global market for PV is growing rapidly.
If you’re considering making the switch to solar power, you’ll want to learn about PV solar technology. Let’s begin with the types of cells that you may encounter when getting PV solar panels installed on a property of yours.
Keep reading to learn more.
1) Silicon Solar Cells
The most common type of PV solar cell is made of silicon. This is a material that is found in sand, and it is also a major component in computer chips. The silicon is “doped” with other materials to form an electric field. When the sun shines on the cell, it causes electrons to move in the electric field, and this produces an electric current.
The two main types of silicon solar cells are monocrystalline and polycrystalline. Monocrystalline cells are made of a single silicon crystal, while polycrystalline cells are made of multiple silicon crystals. Monocrystalline cells are typically more efficient than polycrystalline cells, but they are also more expensive.
2) Thin-Film Solar Cells
Thin-film solar cells are made of very thin layers of semiconductor materials. One advantage of thin-film solar cells is that they can be made on flexible materials such as stainless steel, plastic or glass. This means that they can be used on a variety of surfaces, including the roofs of buildings.
Thin-film solar cells are typically less efficient compared to silicon solar cells, but they are also cheaper to produce. One advantage of such solar cells is that they are ideal for use in a variety of applications.
3) III-V Solar Cells
III-V solar cells are made of a compound semiconductor material. They are typically made of a combination of gallium arsenide (GaAs), indium gallium (InGa) and other materials. These solar cells are typically used in space applications, as they are capable of converting sunlight into electricity with high efficiency.
However, such high efficiency comes at a cost. III-V solar cells are one of the most expensive types to manufacture when it comes to solar PV technology. While satellites and aerial vehicles may benefit, they might not be ideal for on-the-ground properties.
4) Perovskite Solar Cells
Next-generation solar cells are being developed with the aim of increasing their efficiency. One example is the perovskite solar cell. Perovskite solar cells are made of a perovskite-structured material. This material is less expensive to manufacture than other types of solar cells. In addition, it can be printed on a wide range of substrates.
Conclusion
PV solar cells are utilised in many applications, including powering homes and businesses, providing electricity to remote areas, and powering spacecraft. The variety in cell types goes to show how PV solar technology is only getting better.
In need of solar PV installation? Design Electrical is an electrical contractor based in Belfast, Northern Ireland, providing electrical contract services to domestic, commercial, and industrial clients throughout the province. Contact us today!