Solar Cell Efficiency

Since the introduction of the modern silicon solar cell, the efficiency of solar cells has improved greatly. The first silicon solar cell was created by Bell Labs and demonstrated for the public for the first time on April 25, 1954. This solar cell worked at only about 6% efficiency.

The silicon solar cell succeeded the selenium solar cell, which was quite a bit less efficient. Selenium solar cells operated at only around 0.5% efficiency.

Since then, the focus of research has been put toward the task of improving the efficiency of solar cells, and reducing the cost of producing them. Cells with as much as 40% efficiency have been produced using rare materials. The manufacturing cost for these cells is over 100 times higher than that of the current standard, 8% efficient cells. Reducing production cost is perhaps even more important than improving efficiency when it comes to encouraging more homeowners to switch to solar power.

The sun provides about 1,000 watts of power per square meter under ideal conditions. A solar cell’s advertised production is based on this figure. Of course, there are a variety of factors that can impact the intensity of sunlight, such as weather, elevation, pollution, and dust. Some events, such as volcanic eruptions, can even reduce sunlight on a worldwide basis for long periods of time. Low elevation also negatively affects solar cell efficiency. This is because, as elevation gets higher, the air gets thinner, and the effects of dust and pollution are reduced.

Multicrystalline solar cells are currently commercially available, and these operate at about 14-19% efficiency. However, as mature technology, this kind of cell is thought to be close to its limit in terms of production capability. Amorphous silicon cells, on the other hand, although currently about 8% efficient, are widely thought to be the next big thing in solar cell technology.

Even without any major improvements in solar cell efficiency, the goal of replacing fossil fuel-based power production with solar power isn’t realistic. To supply all of the electricity currently produced in the United States, it would take just over 10,000 square miles of solar panels. There is much more suitable land than that currently unused.

Solar power systems, in order to provide power even when the sun isn’t out, need to also make use of some type of power storage. For this purpose, batteries are the most common solution, often being used in banks either in homes or near them. Batteries could also represent a solution to the problem of spikes in demand presented by hot days.

Since they were first introduced, solar cells have improved substantially in terms of efficiency, from 0.5% to as high as 40%. Although the efficiency of mass-production solar cells is not considered likely to increase significantly in the near future, solar cell prices continue to decrease.

If you are looking into installing a solar power system, you need to consider the kind of roof panel that you are going to use. More info about roof solar panels is available at Roof Solar Panels.

For the finest guides to building your own solar panels, including complete instructions and step-by-step videos, go to Build Solar Panel and GreenDIY Energy Review.

Filed under: Ecology

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