The Solar Cell and Structure

The process of converting energy carried by the electromagnetic radiation to produce electrical energy is the physical factor that is referred to as the photovoltaic effect. Solar cells make this conversion possible, as they are used in the photovoltaic projects for renewable energy production. When the sunlight rays falls on the semiconductor materials, the protons contained in the light transmits energy to valence electrons (Goswami, Frank & Kreider, 2000). When protons break any bond in their currency, electrons becomes free to move through the lattices. This electron movement generates electric currents in the semiconductor materials used. In this manner, an electronic field is used in order to provide forces to propel electrons in opposite directions.

           If the solar cell is linked to a semiconductor material, the current follows the positive terminal when it is released, and follows the negative terminal in the opposite direction. On this note, the solar cell functions as energy generator. This is because, protons in the cell interior absorbs bulk energy and transmits it to the semiconductor, making the electron-hole pairs to function as the current carriers (Goswami, Frank & Kreider,2000).The photo-generated current driven by external voltage thus, is required to convey power to the semiconductor material. This process therefore, characterizes the solar cell and its overall operating conditions, when it is either performing as an electricity generator or a diode. When it is functioning as a diode, the solar cell, the rearrangement offsets the photo-generation. Additionally, in order to allow sufficient light to enter the solar cell, the electrical contact material with illuminated cell side ought to be left uncovered. To increase light absorption, an antireflective coating can be applied to the side that receives much light on the material.