Why do people use silicon in solar panels for solar cars? I know they're semi-conductors but what is the actual reasons.
2007-07-12 05:13:49 · 3 answers · asked by Vijay B 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
Doped silicon is one of the only substances that is sensitive to the frequencies of photons from the sun, to produce photodiode currents within the crystal lattice.
Not many other semiconductor substances respond to visible light and near IR photons. There are some other more exotic semiconductors such as the Germanium, and complex alloys used in LEDs and Laser diodes that would make good solar cells, but they are very expensive compared to doped silicon. Even doped crystalline silicon is not "cheap".
2007-07-12 05:37:34 · answer #1 · answered by tlbs101 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Silicone is good for solar panels as they cause electrons to flow in a known direction in the presence of sun light. Vary expensive compared to the amount of current flow.
2007-07-12 05:34:54 · answer #2 · answered by JOHNNIE B 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Silicone is a good semiconductor, but it is als cheap. Other conductors may work better, but they are much more expensive.
2007-07-12 05:16:42 · answer #3 · answered by yeeeehaw 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋