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    Chem PPT Solar Cells in Renewable Energy Technologies

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    punvishal64

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    Chem PPT Solar Cells in Renewable Energy Technologies

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    punvishal64
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    1 views22 pages

    Chem PPT Solar Cells in Renewable Energy Technologies

    Uploaded by

    punvishal64

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    of 22

    Solar Cells in

    Renewable Energy
    Technologies
    01 05 09
    What is a Solar Cell? Recent Advancements Future Outlook of Solar cells

    02 06 10
    History Applications Credits

    03 07
    How Solar Cells work? Disposal

    04 08
    Types of Solar Cells Challenges/Limitations
    What is a Solar Cell?
    A solar cell, also known as a photovoltaic (PV) cell, is a
    device that converts sunlight directly into electricity
    through the photovoltaic effect. Solar cells are the basic
    building blocks of solar panels, which are used to harness
    solar energy.
    HISTORY
    The history of solar cells involves scientific discovery, invention, and rivalry. We often consider
    solar power to be a new technology, but it dates back to ancient times. Here’s a quick timeline:
    Solar cells operate on the principle of the photovoltaic effect, which occurs when light (typically from the
    sun) strikes a material and generates an electrical current. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
    1. Photon absorption: When sunlight hits a solar cell, photons from the light are absorbed by the
    semiconductor material (usually silicon).
    2. Electron excitation: The energy from the photons excites electrons in the semiconductor, knocking
    them loose from their atoms.
    3. Electric field generation: The solar cell has a built-in electric field, usually created by a p-n junction (a
    boundary between two types of semiconductor materials: p-type and n-type). This field pushes the
    free electrons toward one side of the cell.
    4. Electric current: As the electrons flow through the circuit, they create an electric current that can be
    harnessed for power.
    Types
    of
    Solar Cells
    Monocrystalline Silicon Solar cells
    MATERIAL: Made from a single continuous crystal structure.

    EFFICIENCY: Typically 18-22% (higher efficiency due to the


    purity of the silicon).

    ADVANTAGES: High efficiency, longer lifespan, and good


    performance in low light.

    DISADVANTAGES: More expensive due to the


    manufacturing process.
    Polycrystalline Silicon Solar cells
    MATERIAL: Made from silicon crystals that are melted
    together.

    EFFICIENCY: Typically 15-18%.

    ADVANTAGES: Lower cost compared to monocrystalline.

    DISADVANTAGES: Slightly lower efficiency and a shorter


    lifespan.
    Thin-Film Solar cells
    MATERIAL: Made by depositing a thin layer of photovoltaic
    material (such as cadmium telluride or amorphous silicon)
    onto a substrate.

    EFFICIENCY: Typically 10-12% (though some new


    technologies can go higher).

    ADVANTAGES: Lightweight, flexible, and can be integrated


    into a variety of surfaces (like windows or roofing).

    DISADVANTAGES: Lower efficiency, requires more space for


    the same power output, and can have a shorter lifespan.
    Perovskite Solar Cells
    MATERIAL: Made from a specific class of materials that form
    a crystal structure known as perovskite.

    EFFICIENCY: Still rapidly improving; current lab efficiency is


    above 25%, with commercial efficiencies around 20%.

    ADVANTAGES: Potential for low-cost, high-efficiency solar


    cells.

    DISADVANTAGES: Stability issues and concerns about the


    use of toxic materials (such as lead).
    Organic Photovoltaic Cells (OPVs)
    MATERIAL: Made from organic (carbon-based) materials
    rather than traditional semiconductors.

    EFFICIENCY: Still lower compared to silicon-based cells


    (around 10-12%).

    ADVANTAGES: Flexible, lightweight, and potentially cheaper


    to manufacture.

    DISADVANTAGES: Low efficiency and shorter lifespan.


    Recent
    Advancements
    a. Bifacial Solar Cells
    These cells are capable of capturing sunlight on both sides, increasing efficiency by up to 30%
    compared to traditional monofacial cells. They are especially effective in installations where
    light can reflect off surfaces like snow or water.

    b. Tandem Solar Cells


    Tandem cells combine different types of materials (e.g., perovskite and silicon) to capture a
    broader spectrum of sunlight. This could significantly improve the overall efficiency of solar
    panels.

    c. Quantum Dot Solar Cells


    Quantum dots are nanoscale semiconductor particles that can absorb and convert a wider
    range of light wavelengths. Quantum dot solar cells are still in the experimental phase but
    promise to boost efficiency and reduce manufacturing costs.
    APPLICATIONS
    a. Residential Power Generation
    Rooftop Solar Panels: Solar cells are used in residential solar systems to generate
    electricity for homes. They are typically installed on rooftops to harness sunlight and
    reduce reliance on the grid.

    b. Commercial and Industrial Power


    Commercial Solar Installations: Businesses use solar panels to reduce energy costs, power
    their operations, and even sell excess electricity back to the grid.
    Solar Farms: Large-scale solar power plants, or solar farms, are built in sunny areas to
    generate massive amounts of electricity for the grid.

    c. Solar-Powered Gadgets
    Solar Chargers: Portable solar panels are used to charge small electronic devices like
    smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
    Solar-Powered Lights: Solar-powered outdoor lighting systems, such as garden lights
    and street lamps, are commonly used in areas without easy access to electricity.
    d. Solar-Powered Vehicles
    Solar Cars and Buses: Solar cells are integrated into vehicles like cars, buses, and
    even boats, either as the primary power source or as a supplementary one.
    Electric Vehicles (EVs): Solar panels are sometimes used on the roof of EVs to
    extend the range by charging the battery through sunlight.

    e. Space Applications
    Satellites and Space Probes: Solar cells are used to power satellites and space probes.
    They are essential for providing energy to spacecraft traveling in space, where other
    sources of power are unavailable.
    DISPOSAL
    Solar cells degrade over time and lose their efficiency. Solar cells in extreme climates,
    such as desert or polar, are more prone to degradation due to exposure to harsh UV
    light and snow loads respectively. Usually, solar panels are given a lifespan of 25–30
    years before they get decommissioned.
    The International Renewable Energy Agency estimated that the amount of solar
    panel electronic waste generated in 2016 was 43,500–250,000 metric tons. This
    number is estimated to increase substantially by 2030, reaching an estimated waste
    volume of 60–78 million metric tons in 2050.
    Challenges
    INTERMITTENCY COST SPACE REQUIREMENTS
    Solar energy generation depends on While the cost of solar panels has Solar power requires a large surface area
    sunlight, meaning it is not available at dropped significantly in recent years, the for panels to generate significant
    night or during cloudy days. Energy initial investment in solar systems amounts of electricity. This can be an
    storage solutions, like batteries, are being (including installation, inverters, and issue in densely populated or space-
    developed to address this. batteries) can still be high. constrained areas.

    EFFICIENCY RECYCLING & ENVIRONMENTAL


    Solar cell performance typically IMPACT
    decreases as temperatures rise. High Solar panels have a lifespan of around 25-
    ambient temperatures reduce their 30 years, after which they can contribute
    voltage output, limiting efficiency in hot to e-waste. Recycling solar panels is
    climates. Although efficiencies are challenging and not yet widely practiced,
    improving, there is still a limit to how much as many of the materials used (like silicon,
    solar energy can be captured and cadmium, and others) are difficult to
    converted into electricity. reclaim efficiently.
    Future Outlook of Solar Cells
    Solar cells are a vital technology in the transition
    toward a renewable energy future. With ongoing
    advancements in efficiency, materials, and
    manufacturing techniques, solar energy will likely
    play an increasingly important role in global energy
    systems. Key innovations like bifacial and tandem
    cells, along with the development of sustainable
    recycling practices, will help overcome some of the
    current limitations and expand the applications of
    solar energy worldwide.

    The Future of Solar Energy in India | electricaleasy.com


    Credits
    NAME SID
    Jannat 24112007
    Diwakar 24112008
    Mayank 24112009
    Thank you

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