Solar Cells

The course begins with a description of the solar spectra and the possibilities to use solar cells. A model to describe I-V-characteristics of solar cells is introduced. An orientation of solar cell systems is included, covering shadowing problems, geometrical factors and battery sizing. The course demonstrates how a simulation program can be used to design a solar cell system. A large part of the course deals with single crystalline solar cells based on a band structure model. The performance of a solar cell depending on dimensions, doping levels and surface treatment is described. In addition to single-crystalline silicon cells alternative single-crystalline materials, thin film cells, polycrystalline and amorphous solar cells and tandem cells are treated. A theory for wet solar cells is included, where the contact between semiconductor and liquid, charge transfer and corrosion problems are treated. Finally, the conversion of solar energy to electricity in photovoltaic cells and hydrogen production in photochemical cells is treated.