Understanding solar cell band diagram

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the physical operation of solar cells as explained through band diagrams, specifically focusing on the movement of charge carriers between electrodes. Participants seek clarification on the underlying physics and mechanisms involved in solar cell functionality.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in understanding the physical operation of solar cells based on band diagrams and requests an explanation of carrier movement.
  • Another participant shares a link to a Wikipedia article that discusses the theory of solar cells, suggesting it may provide useful information.
  • A different participant mentions an additional article that, while not very technical, offers a general idea of how solar panels work, indicating the value of visual aids like animations.
  • A later reply clarifies that the solar cell referenced is a multi-junction solar cell, explaining the distinction between the InGaP and GaAs cells involved.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus on the explanation of carrier movements, and multiple perspectives on the complexity of solar cells and their diagrams are present.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the audience's prior knowledge of band diagrams and solar cell operation may not be explicitly stated. The discussion includes references to external articles that may have varying levels of technical detail.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in the physics of solar cells, particularly those seeking to understand the role of band diagrams in explaining carrier dynamics.

Hamidreza
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Hi everyone, I have been studying the physics of solar cells for a long time. The only thing that I can not completely understand is the physical operation of solar cell based on band diagram.
Can anyone briefly explain the movements of carriers from one electrode to the another based on band diagram?
IMG_20180311_202159_438.jpg

IMG_20180311_202157_156.jpg
 

Attachments

  • IMG_20180311_202159_438.jpg
    IMG_20180311_202159_438.jpg
    46.5 KB · Views: 1,452
  • IMG_20180311_202157_156.jpg
    IMG_20180311_202157_156.jpg
    46.3 KB · Views: 1,607
Physics news on Phys.org
Hamidreza said:
Hi everyone, I have been studying the physics of solar cells for a long time. The only thing that I can not completely understand is the physical operation of solar cell based on band diagram.
Can anyone briefly explain the movements of carriers from one electrode to the another based on band diagram?
View attachment 221819
View attachment 221820
The 'cell' you have included with your post is not a single cell, but is in fact a multi-junction solar cell. The InGaP cell up to the tunnel diode acts as one photovoltaic cell, and the GaAs cell after the tunnel diode acts as a second cell.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
6K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
6K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
7K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
6K