Photovoltaic cells, also known as solar cells, are the key component in solar panels and are responsible for converting sunlight into electricity. These cells are typically made of semiconducting materials, which are capable of converting light energy into electrical energy. In this article, we will explore the materials commonly used in the production of photovoltaic cells.
Materials Used in Photovoltaic Cells
The most commonly used material in the production of photovoltaic cells is silicon. Silicon is a versatile and abundant material that can be easily processed into wafers, which are then used as the base material for solar cells. Other materials, such as cadmium telluride, copper indium gallium selenide, and amorphous silicon, are also used in the production of solar cells.Silicon
Silicon is the most widely used material in the production of photovoltaic cells. It is a non-metallic element that is abundant in the Earth’s crust. Silicon has excellent semiconducting properties, making it an ideal material for converting light energy into electricity. There are two types of silicon used in solar cells: monocrystalline and polycrystalline. Monocrystalline silicon cells are made from a single crystal structure, while polycrystalline silicon cells are made from multiple crystal structures.Cadmium Telluride
Cadmium telluride (CdTe) is a thin-film photovoltaic technology that has gained popularity due to its low manufacturing costs and high efficiency. CdTe solar cells are made by depositing a thin layer of cadmium telluride onto a substrate, such as glass or flexible materials. This technology is often used in large-scale solar farms due to its cost-effectiveness.
