How do you build a solar cell?

Question

Steps and materials need to start out with.

Answer 1

(solar cell) is a direct conversion of the sun's electromagnetic radiation to electricity, and is not limited by Carnot cycle efficiency considerations. Photovoltaic (PV) cells employ a solid-state diode structure with a large area on a silicon wafer. The surface layer is very thin and transparent so that light can reach the junction region of the silicon sandwich. In that region the photons are absorbed, releasing charges from their atomic bonds. These charges migrate to the terminals, raising the potential. A single cell has an open circuit the voltage of approximately 0.6-1.0 volts and a short circuit current of a few mA. In order to increase both current and voltage, the individual cells are placed into (solar) arrays where cells may be connected in series to raise the voltage and current output can be raised by parallel connection of cells.

The solar cell structure consists of two layers of material: one layer is doped with an impurity such as boron to make it negative (n-type), and the other is similarly doped to make it positive. The area where the two layers touch is called the p-n junction. When sunlight penetrates to the p-n junction, positive and negative charges from the two layers cross the junction, creating a flow of electric current. The layers must be extremely thin to ensure light penetration. For silicon cells, these thin layers have been obtained at high cost by slicing an expensive silicon ingot; much of the silicon is lost in saw cuts.

Other substances, such as cadmium sulfide and gallium arsenide, are also used to make solar cells. Cadmium sulfide, although relatively cheap, has a low efficiency. Gallium arsenide is very efficient but also very costly. Additional methods of producing silicon cells--such as using amorphous, rather than crystalline, silicon--offer considerable promise.

Amorphous silicon cells, generated on a layer of film 1.5 µ thick and sandwiched between plate glass, have been installed in huge arrays. A California complex, built in 1992, covers five acres and generates 500 kW at a cost of about $0.25 per kilowatt hour. Thin-film cells are half as efficient as crystalline cells, but they cost considerably less to produce. New production methods may increase conversion efficiency to crystal-cell levels.

Typical efficiencies for solar cells currently run from 10 to 15%; efficiencies of 30% have been achieved, however, and researchers hope eventually to reach as high as 40%. Applications of photovoltaic cells include

single cells are used in handheld calculators and wristwatches
multiple-cell arrays are used for remote terrestrial applications--buoys, oil-drilling platforms, and mountaintop microwave repeaters--where the alternative, laying long-distance power lines, would be prohibitively expensive
satellite-based systems (no night time)
Presently, photovoltaic is economical at remote, end-of-transmission line locations.



Solar Cell Power Plant Diagram [Source: Texas Utilities (TU)].

Answer 2

Build Solar Panel At Home - http://CreateHomeSolar.com

Answer 3

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Answer 4

Here's a website you might be interested in..., click the link
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HERE's A SOLAR GENERATOR - with instructions...,
http://www.grandpappy.info/wsolar.htm

Here's a Simple Solar Panel you can make...,
http://www.zetatalk.com/energy/tengy17f.htm

Answer 5

it may well be some distance much less confusing to purchase a single solor photovoltaic cellular than to construct one. somewhat than use open-circuit voltage because of the fact the degree of effectiveness, it may well be extra effective to apply optimum potential production because of the fact the degree of effectiveness on account that maximum image voltaic photovoltaic panels are used to offer as a lot potential as achievable. Your outcomes may well be significantly diverse in case you used open circuit voltage somewhat than voltage at optimum potential production. To approximate optimum potential production, place a resistor R around the output of the cellular to load it down so as that the cellular is producing approximately ninety% of the open circuit voltage. This concern would be on the threshold of the ingredient of optimum potential production. examine the voltage V with a voltmeter. Calculate potential P because of the fact the manufactured from voltage V cases resistance R. Repeat for somewhat some cellular angles and evaluate the values for potential P.

Answer 6

i dont know im to dependant on forgein energy and making dirty air and tring to figure out were to bury all this nuclear waste besides theres to much wind and sun here why would you want to have one of them when we can fill up a big train with oil from places that dont like us and belch puke and purge all we like thin slices very thin slices some with silicon and some with other tech nologys but im not seeing any of that stuff on diy thin metal strips plastic or aluminum to hold the cells and then its covered with a peice of glass or plastic but i can remember if it cut slowly or fast or you can grow the crystals yourself besides im to much of a woos to hook those up so i can do a little net metering im to busy listening to the payoffs that prevent it and im not even shure how to hook up a basic array but i think you mean photovoltaic