Semiconductors play a critical role in clean energy technologies that enable energy generation from renewable and clean sources. This article discusses the role of semiconductors in solar cells/photovoltaic (PV) cells, specifically their function and the types used. Image Credit: Thongsuk7824/Shutterstock.com
To summarize, silicon semiconductors are currently playing a critical role in the large-scale manufacturing of solar cells with good efficiency and durability. In the future, all-perovskite tandems are expected to become more prevalent as they are cheaper to produce compared to silicon cells.
Solar cells can utilize the available light energy more efficiently when the bandgap of the semiconductor matches the wavelengths of the light shining on the PV cell. PV cell efficiency indicates the effectiveness of the cell at converting light energy into electrical power.
The technology and systems necessary to achieve this goal are driven by semiconductors. Semiconductors are fundamental in the development and deployment of renewable energy infrastructure. They are at the core of wind, solar and almost all other new electrical grid systems and solutions.
Semiconductors in PV cells absorb the light’s energy when they are exposed to it and transfer the energy to electrons. The absorbed additional energy allows electrons to flow in form of an electrical current through the semiconductor material.
Power semiconductors are a key part of this transition. They play an important role in energy conversion, transfer, storage, and increasingly, ensuring that the electricity grid is responsive and efficient. In Europe, almost a quarter of the EU’s electricity came from renewable sources in 2020.
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