Solar Cell-Overview and Types

Solar Cell

The solar cell is a semiconductor device similar to a diode, in which incident photons are absorbed and created electron-hole pairs (EHPs). These EHPs create the flow of electrons which means flow current. So solar cell is a device that directly converts optical energy directly into electrical(voltage).

Photovoltaic (PV) Effect

The effect through which optical energy is directly converted into Electrical energy is known as the Photovoltaic (PV) Effect.

Solar cell: Basic Construction and Operation

1. A Solar Cell is a semiconductor device of two layers: n-type and p-type, Which are highly doped.
2. These layers form a junction and electrodes are connected to these.
3. Incident photons are absorbed by the semiconductors, and they generate electron-hole pairs.
4. The Number of generated charges is directly proportional to the light efficiency.
5. The negative electron and positive hole must be kept separated so that the electron-hole pair can dissipate its power in an external electron circuit.
6. The flow of carriers towards the external load produces DC electrons.

Solar Cell Efficiency

It is defined as the ratio of maximum power delivered by the cell (Pm) to the incident light power (Pin).

η=P_m/P_in= I_m/P_in

Fill Factor (FF)
It is defined as the ratio of the maximum power of a cell (Pm) to the theoretical limit (Pth)

Fill Factor, FF=Pm/Pth = V_m Im/V_oc I_sc

Where,

V_m= maximum Voltage at maximum power point (MPP)

_Im = maximum current a maximum power Point (MPP)

V_oc = Open circuit Voltage

I_sc = Short circuit Current

Types of system

1. Stand-alone PV System


2. Hybrid PV System


3. Grid-Connected  PV System

1. Stand-alone PV System:

• Stand-alone DC PV system without Battery;

• Stand-alone AC PV System without Battery;

• Stand-alone DC PV system with Battery;

• Stand-alone AC PV system with Battery.

2. Hybrid PV System:

In the hybrid PV system, PV modules are the primary energy source and are combined with one or more other electrical power generators.

Hybrid PV System= Stand alone PV System + Other one or more electrical generators

Usually, other electrical generators are-

a. Diesel generator

b. Hydro generator

c. Wind turbine generator

d. Gas generator

3. Grid-Connected PV System

The system in which PV  is the primary energy source and intended to operate in parallel and synchronously with the electric utility network (Grid), is called the grid-connected PV system.

Types of Grid-Connected PV Systems

1. Grid-Connected PV system without a backup system
2. Grid-Connected PV  system with a backup system

Major Problem in Grid-connected PV System