PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY OF SOLAR-CELLS

The physics of the photovoltaic effect is analyzed using the example of a frontwall solar cell. The effect results from the interplay of the emitter, in which minority cariers are generated via absorbed light an diffuse to the junction, and the junction, in which the essential voltage drop occurs. The interplay is established by the minority carrier density at the emitter-junction interface, acting as prominent boundary condition, and connecting current through the device with applied voltage. The chemistry of the interlayer between emitter and junction has essential influence on this boundary condition by determining interface recombination and space charge. Both of these determine band connection and performance of the device. A brief review of material properties in the light of the basic cell operation is given. © 1979.