Comparison of electrical characteristics of silicon solar cells

Purpose: The aim of this work is comparison of the operational characteristics of photovoltaic silicon cells: monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon and amorphous silicon. Design/methodology/approach: The notion of fill factor (FF), which is characteristic for Photovoltaic quality, has been introduced to compare properties of different silicon solar cells. Basing on the indicated characteristic the analysis of cell power efficiency has been carried out and the maximum power points PMM have been determined. Findings: It has been pointed out that crystal structure and surface texture affect utility properties of the investigated Photovoltaic Silicon Cells. Moreover, it has been stated that along with the radiation intensity growth the maximum cell power increases accompanied by its efficiency deterioration and simultaneous change of the maximum power point position, what causes and short-circuit current increase. Research limitations/implications: It has been found that the cell surface texture has an important influence on utility properties of the photovoltaic cells, which is connected with the high refractivity of silicon. Therefore, development of the cell surface forming methods is of a significant influence on improvement of the photovoltaic cells properties. Practical implications: Currently the photovoltaic industry is based mostly on the crystalline and polycrystalline silicon. Limitations of the utility properties resulting from the relationships presented in this paper accompany the advantages of cells fabricated from the amorphous and polycrystalline silicon, like the low manufacturing costs and no geometrical limitations. Analysis of the discussed relationships makes optimization of the cel parameters possible, depending on the service requirements. Originality/value: Known cells were compared as regards their conversion efficiency in various lighting conditions, depending on their design and material properties.