Title: What Property of Silicon Makes it useful in Photovoltaic Cells
(What Property Of Silicon Makes It Useful In Photovoltaic Cells)
In the world of renewable energy sources, silicon has played a vital role in making solar cells practical and efficient. The property of silicon that makes solar cells useful is its ability to convert light into electricity using an electric field. This ability of to do so enables solar cells to generate clean and renewable energy from the sun.
One of the most important properties of silicon used in solar cells is its electronic conductivity. This means that when sunlight shines on silicon cells, they generate electrons, which then transfer them to the semiconductor materials inside the cell. This process can be accelerated by increasing the temperature of the cell or the duration of time spent exposed to sunlight.
Another important property of silicon used in solar cells is its thermal stability. Silicon cells are typically made of two layers of silicon each, with one layer of high-molecular-weight silicon (SWi) and the other layer of low-molecular-weight silicon (LWS). As the sun’s radiation interacts with the silicon atoms, the energy of the interaction causes the SWi and LWS to heat up. This increase in thermal stability enables the cells to continue to function even under extreme conditions such as and high voltage.
The property of silicon also helps in storing electrical energy during periods of low power production. Unlike other types of electronic materials, like semiconductor grown in thin films, silicon cells can store electrical energy for a long period of time. When the power supply comes back online, the stored energy can be released to the, providing more power than was produced before.
Moreover, the ability of silicon to conduct electricity through the use of a chemical reaction known as thermoelectricity can help in reducing the amount of energy required to produce electricity. This reduction in energy consumption is particularly useful for solar cells in remote areas where access to electricity may not be available.
(What Property Of Silicon Makes It Useful In Photovoltaic Cells)
In summary, the properties of silicon, including its electronic conductivity, thermal stability, and electrical storage capacity, make it an essential component of solar cells. These properties enable solar cells to generate clean and renewable energy from the sun while minimizing energy waste. With continued advancements in research, we can expect to see even more efficient and cost-effective solar cells in the coming years.
