A solar cell is the core component of a photovoltaic power generation system. When sunlight hits the semiconductor of a solar cell, it converts solar energy into electric power according to the intensity of solar radiation (intensity of light at a given moment).
Materials and manufacturing methods of Solar companies in Pakistan for improving the performance of solar cells are being researched on a daily basis.
Currently, the mainstream solar cells are silicon-based, and have a structure in which two types of semiconductors with different properties, p-type and n-type, are superimposed. In each semiconductor, the p-type is positive and the n-type is negative, and energy is generated when electrons entering the junction are pushed out by repulsion.
Although it is called a "battery", it cannot store electricity. The generated electricity can be used at that time or stored in a power storage facility and used at any time.
What is conversion efficiency?
"Conversion efficiency" is a numerical value that indicates how much of the sunlight captured by the solar cell was converted into electricity. It can be calculated by the formula "output electric energy ÷ incident solar energy × 100%".
The conversion efficiency calculated for each module is called "module conversion efficiency". By looking at the "conversion efficiency", it is possible to determine what percentage of the light energy irradiated to 1m2 of the solar cell module can be converted into electrical energy. Because of these characteristics, "conversion efficiency" is used to compare modules from each manufacturer.
"Cell conversion efficiency" is a numerical value that represents the conversion efficiency per cell. In contrast to "module conversion efficiency," which indicates conversion efficiency per square meter of panel (module), cell conversion efficiency refers to conversion efficiency per cell.
Conversion efficiency per cell tends to be higher, so be careful not to confuse the two when comparing panel manufacturers.
Solar module The features and prices of each manufacturer are explained.
Solar cell types and conversion efficiency
There is no single type of semiconductor material or manufacturing method that receives sunlight to generate electricity. It is also a factor that greatly affects the specifications and price, so let's check the characteristics of each.
Among modules, the monocrystalline type is the oldest type of module. It is said that 90% of the modules currently on the market are of this type.
Single-crystal type modules are made by slicing high-purity silicon crystals, and have the advantage of high conversion efficiency because the silicon atoms are arranged regularly.
Although the manufacturing cost is high, it is a highly reliable module that is suitable for when you want to generate a lot of power in a small space.
Polycrystalline type
Polycrystalline modules are made from offcuts from the manufacturing stage of single crystal modules and from single crystal modules that do not meet the standards.
They are relatively inexpensive, but they tend to be 4-5% less efficient than single crystal types. Solar energy in Pakistan It is often used for large-scale industrial solar power generation rather than for general residential use. It is suitable when you want to secure a large installation space and install a large number of panels while keeping costs down.
