A solar cell is a device that converts the solar energy in to electricity with the help of photovoltaic. Photovoltaic effect was first discovered by a French physicist Antoine-César Becquerel back in 80s. While experimenting Becquerel observed that a photovoltaic effect was generated when a solid electrode was put in an electrolyte solution the voltage developed when light hit upon the electrode. But an actual solar cell was developed almost 50 years later by the technician Charles Fritts. Since then Solar cell is one of the most talked about technology always creating a stir as and when a new device or technology is developed surrounding solar cells.
Modern solar cells are essentially photodiodes closely build on a very delicate frame with a very huge light-sensitive area. photovoltaic cells are created from silicon. Silicon in its crystalline form has some very special chemical properties, but it is also true that silicon is a very poor conductivity. Hence, electricity is not easily absorbed by silicon. In order to overcome this defect the photovoltaic cell is doped with boron to work against the poor conductivity of silicon. Over the years the efficiency of solar cells has increased from a drastic 0.5% to almost 40%.
The photovoltaic effect, which effects the conversion of light into electricity, occurs in a 3 stage process. The photovoltaic cells are P-N junction photodiodes. The layer in the photovoltaic cell forms the N-type semiconductor, i.e. the N junction of photodiode, and then comes the sandwich form of P-N junction and finally the 3 layers form the P-type semiconductor.
Now in order to complete a solar cell two additional electrical contact layers are attached to attract the sun rays and convert them into solar cells. The process of creating solar cell is similar to that of silicon chips. The three layered solar cells are found to be the most efficient solar cells to the date.
Most solar cells are capable of producing electricity for the span of 20-25 years. Hence, the cost of a single solar cell is pretty high, as the process of creating crystalline silicon is expensive and time consuming.
Nowadays solar energy has become major consideration for architectural and construction companies around the world, in order to maintain the vision of green earth and reinforcing the effect of high utility costs in the economy. Today building design consists of plans embedding solar panels in the structure right during the creation phase of the building. Solar cells have proved to be the most efficient form of renewable energy resource without any side effects like pollution and toxic waste. Today the most important hazard of global warming, environmental protection and sudden climate change due to the imbalance of CO2 from the burning of fuels in the environment can be reduced with the use of solar energy.
Today the most significant problem with solar energy is the cost of solar cells, which has decreased over time but still not affordable to a normal household at some level. Some of the developing countries still have problems with generating funds to install solar projects.