Solar Cell Semiconductor Types – Which One is Used?

Over 95% of solar modules worldwide use silicon as their semiconductor. This makes silicon the heart of the solar energy industry. It’s plentiful, being the second most common element on our planet.

Yet, scientists and engineers are also looking into other materials. These alternatives have special benefits and are good for different uses.

Key Takeaways

• Silicon is the dominant semiconductor material used in solar cells, representing around 95% of the global solar module market.
• Other semiconductor materials like cadmium telluride, copper indium gallium selenide, and perovskites are emerging as alternatives to silicon-based solar cells.
• Each semiconductor material has its own unique properties, such as light absorption, cost, and efficiency, making them suitable for different applications and use cases.
• Fenice Energy offers a wide range of solar solutions, including silicon-based panels and emerging technologies, to meet the diverse needs of Indian consumers.
• Ongoing research and development in photovoltaic materials are driving the evolution of increasingly efficient and cost-effective solar cell technologies.

Types of Semiconductor Materials Used in Solar Cells

The solar cell field has grown a lot, with many types of semiconductor materials used now. These include silicon, thin-film materials, perovskites, organic compounds, and quantum dots.

Silicon Solar Cells

Silicon solar cells are the most common. They make up about 95% of solar modules sold worldwide. Silicon’s structured setup turns light into electricity well, which makes it a top pick for solar power.

Thin-Film Photovoltaics

Cadmium telluride (CdTe) and copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) are thin-film solar cells. They require less material and are thus often lighter and perhaps cheaper. Despite this, they’re usually not as efficient as silicon cells.

Perovskite Photovoltaics

Perovskite solar cells use a special perovskite material that can be cheap and very efficient. This unique material has quickly become a key player in solar tech.

Organic Photovoltaics (OPV)

OPV uses organic compounds instead of traditional materials. They offer the possibility of being very affordable, light, and flexible. Yet, how efficient and stable they are is still being worked on.

Quantum Dot Solar Cells

Quantum dots are special due to their small size and unique properties. Quantum dot solar cells can potentially be more efficient than silicon cells. They aim to use more of the sun’s light, pointing to a bright future for solar energy.

Multijunction Solar Cells for Enhanced Efficiency

Layering multiple semiconductor materials can boost photovoltaic (PV) cells’ efficiency. These multijunction solar cells stack different semiconductor layers. Each layer absorbs a unique part of the solar spectrum, leading to higher efficiency than single-junction solar cells.

Tandem Solar Cells

Tandem solar cells stack several subcells, each with its bandgap material. The top cell absorbs high-energy light, while the bottom captures low-energy light. This setup can achieve efficiencies over 30%. They are great for space and weight-limited uses, like in satellites and electric vehicles.

Multijunction III-V Solar Cells

Multijunction III-V solar cells use materials like gallium arsenide (GaAs) and indium phosphide (InP). These materials are from group III and V of the periodic table. They reach over 30% efficiency in real products and over 40% in the lab. These cells work well in systems that focus sunlight using lenses or mirrors.

which type of semiconductor is used in solar cell

The main types of semiconductors in solar cells include silicon, cadmium telluride (CdTe), and copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS). Also, there are perovskite, organic compounds, and quantum dots. Silicon is most popular, making up 95% of solar modules sold everywhere. This is because it’s easy to find, cheap, and works very well in turning sunlight into power.

Cadmium telluride (CdTe) and copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) are two kinds of thin-film solar cells. They are cheaper than silicon cells. Perovskite solar cells are also becoming popular. They are made from certain materials and are quickly getting better at turning sunlight into energy. This makes them a good choice if we want something other than silicon.

Organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells and quantum dot solar cells are exciting because they are looking into the future of solar technology. OPV’s use special compounds, and quantum dot cells use tiny special materials. They are both being studied since they could be very cheap, light, and easy to fit anywhere.

Concentration Photovoltaics (CPV)

Concentration PV is a new way to get more power from the sun. It uses mirrors or lenses to focus sunlight on a solar cell. This helps use less solar material, which can save money. Not only that, but this method makes solar cells more efficient. So, by concentrating sunlight, CPV systems can work better.

Fenice Energy is leading the charge with CPV in India. Their CPV systems use special optics and tracking to catch more sunlight. This makes their solar solutions very efficient. It’s a big help for homes and businesses to use more renewable energy and cut back on pollution.

The big plus of CPV is it works well even in small areas, unlike regular solar panels. This makes it great for city rooftops or big factories. Since CPV systems are so efficient, they end up being cheaper over time. This makes them a smart choice for all kinds of energy needs.

With India wanting more clean power, Fenice Energy is key with their CPV know-how. They offer top-notch solar solutions that include CPV. It’s a big step towards a greener future for the country. Their work is crucial as India shifts to more earth-friendly energy sources.

Semiconductor Properties for Solar Cell Performance

The key to making solar cells work well lies in certain semiconductor materials. There are two big properties: the bandgap and the P-N junction, including the depletion zone.

Bandgap and Light Absorption

The bandgap is the energy gap between a material’s two bands. It decides what light can be absorbed effectively. When the bandgap lines up with sunlight’s wavelengths, the solar cell works better at turning light into electricity. This makes light absorption and efficiency better.

P-N Junction and Depletion Zone

Solar cells use the P-N junction between p-type and n-type semiconductors. This creates a depletion zone where no free charge carriers exist. When light enters this zone, it creates pairs of electrons and holes. The electric field then separates them, creating an electric current.

The P-N junction and depletion zone, along with bandgap, are vital for solar cell performance. In India, Fenice Energy uses their knowledge of these principles. They design high-efficiency solar systems to meet the energy needs of many.

Conclusion

In solar cell technology, silicon leads the way. It makes up about 95% of the solar modules sold worldwide. Silicon is chosen for its abundance, low cost, and high efficiency in turning sunlight into electricity.

Many solar cell semiconductors are used besides silicon. Materials like cadmium telluride (CdTe), copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS), and more are also used. Silicon stands out due to its top performance, easy to find, and known manufacturing methods, making it the preferred choice for most solar cells.

Fenice Energy is a key player in the solar industry’s growth. They provide the newest clean energy solutions. With over 20 years’ experience, they aim to make the switch to sustainable energy easy and affordable for homes and businesses in India.

FAQ

What type of semiconductor is commonly used in solar cells?

Silicon is the top pick for solar cell material. It makes up about 95% of all solar modules on the market.

What are the other semiconductor materials used in solar cells?

Solar cells can also use materials like cadmium telluride (CdTe), copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS), and even organic compounds and quantum dots.

How do multijunction solar cells work to improve efficiency?

Multijunction cells use several layers of different materials. Each layer responds to a different part of the light spectrum. This means they can capture more sunlight, boosting the cell’s efficiency.

What is the purpose of concentration photovoltaics (CPV)?

CPV systems magnify sunlight onto a small area of solar cells. Because of this, they use up less PV material. This method helps achieve the highest efficiency possible with solar cells.

How does the semiconductor bandgap affect solar cell performance?

The bandgap of the semiconductor affects which light it can absorb and turn into electricity. When the bandgap matches the light’s wavelength, the solar cell works best and uses more of the sunlight’s energy.