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Because semiconductors such as silicon are indirect bandgap semiconductors, so some of the light energy is wasted as lattice vibrations (phonons).
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What is another name for a solar cell that generates electricity?
photovoltaic cell
What is the most common material used for a photovolatic solar cell?
The most command material used in photovoltaic solar cells is crystalline silicon.
What type of cell is the most commonly used to convert solar energy into electricity?
The cells used to convert solar energy into electricity are called photovoltaics. Solar photovoltaics are now the third most important renewable energy source in the world.
Why can't photovoltaic PV cells use all of the Sun's energy?
A photon or light particle that comes from the sun has a certain amount of energy. Blue photons for example have an energy of 0.4 aJ. Red photons have half that energy. If a photovoltaic cell is built, a certain energy band gap is chosen. If it is too large, a photon will not be absorbed, if it is too small, part of the energy is lost. For instance if a photon of 0.4 aJ hits a solar cell of 0.3 aJ band gap, it will be absorbed and create an electron with energy 0.3 aJ. This gives an efficiency of 75%. If a 0.2 aJ photon hits this solar cell it will not be absorbed. Of the total energy of 0.6 aJ hitting the solar cell only 0.3 aJ is absorbed, a total efficiency of 50%. The highest efficiencies are reach with solar cells that contain several layers with different (decreasing) band gaps.
How do thermodynamics apply to solar cells?
The first law dictates that the power (energy per unit time) output from a solar cell cannot exceed the power of the light landing on it. The second law dictates that the efficiency of the solar cell must be less than 100% no matter how good the cell is - some of the energy will be lost as heat output to the surroundings.
Are photovoltaic cells bigger than solar cells?
Yes, the photovoltaic cell is bigger than the solar cell.
What is the device that turns solar energy into electrical energy?
A photovoltaic cell.A photovoltaic cell.A photovoltaic cell.A photovoltaic cell.
What is solar cells used for?
A solar cell or photovoltaic cell is a device that converts light directly into electricity by the photovoltaic effect.
What is conversion efficiency of photovoltaic cell?
10-15%
What is cells use for?
A solar cell or photovoltaic cell is a device that converts light directly into electricity by the photovoltaic effect.
What is another name for a solar cell that generates electricity?
photovoltaic cell
A cell that converts solar energy to electricity?
Photovoltaic
What are solar panels real names?
Photovoltaicm, Solar cell, Photovoltaic modules
How is the power output of a photovoltaic cell affected by clouds and by dirt and other solid pollutants?
Well, a Photovoltaic cell is a solar cell, and it is affected by clouds and solid pollutants because they block light from hitting the solar cell.
What can turn solar energy directly into electrical energy?
a photovoltaic cell or solar panel
What do solar cell do?
Solar AKA photovoltaic cells turn (sun) light into electricity.
How is solar energy stored for later?
Solar Energy Is Stored For Later In A Photovoltaic Cell
