Solar cell is a kind of photoelectric semiconductor sheet that uses sunlight to directly generate electricity. It is also called "solar chip" or "photocell". As long as it meets certain illuminance conditions, it can output voltage instantly and in the case of loops. Generate current. In physics, it is called photovoltaic (Photovoltaic, abbreviated as PV), or photovoltaic for short.
Solar cells are devices that directly convert light energy into electrical energy through photoelectric effect or photochemical effect. Crystalline silicon solar cells that work with the photovoltaic effect are the mainstream, while the implementation of solar cells with thin-film cells that work with the photochemical effect is still in its infancy.
Classification of solar cells：
1.Monocrystalline silicon solar cell
The photoelectric conversion efficiency of monocrystalline silicon solar cells is about 17%, and the highest is 24%. This is the highest photoelectric conversion efficiency of all types of solar cells, but the production cost is so large that it cannot be widely and widely used. To use. Since monocrystalline silicon is generally encapsulated with tempered glass and waterproof resin, it is sturdy and durable, and manufacturers generally provide a 25-year quality guarantee.
2.Polycrystalline silicon solar cell
The production process of polycrystalline silicon solar cells is similar to that of monocrystalline silicon solar cells, but the photoelectric conversion efficiency of polycrystalline silicon solar cells is reduced a lot, and its photoelectric conversion efficiency is about 15% (Suntech Power will launch a model called STP250S at IntersolarEurope2011. -20/Wd+'BlackPearl' new generation of high-efficiency photovoltaic modules. The conversion efficiency is 15.2%.). In terms of production cost, it is cheaper than monocrystalline silicon solar cells, the materials are simple to manufacture, the power consumption is saved, and the total production cost is lower, so it has been developed in a large amount. In addition, the service life of polycrystalline silicon solar cells is shorter than that of monocrystalline silicon solar cells. In terms of cost performance, monocrystalline silicon solar cells are slightly better.
3.Amorphous silicon solar cell
Amorphous silicon solar cell is a new type of thin film solar cell that appeared in 1976. It is completely different from monocrystalline silicon and polycrystalline silicon solar cells. The process is greatly simplified, the silicon material consumption is low, and the power consumption is lower. The main advantage is that it can generate electricity in low light conditions. However, the main problem of amorphous silicon solar cells is the low photoelectric conversion efficiency. Today, the international advanced level is about 10%, and it is not stable enough. As time goes by, its conversion efficiency decays.