The Relationship Between Solar Energy and Semiconductors

Solar energy is radiant heat and light from the Sun attached together using a wide variety ofever-evolving technologies such as photovoltaics, solar heating, solar thermal energy, artificialphotosynthesis and solar architecture. Every technology has a basis, and that basis serves as thefoundation that makes it all feasible. In the case of solar power, it is the semiconductor. Thesemagnificent, silicon-based elements are spread across the roofs throughout the world.

But what is the relationship of solar energy and semiconductor? Sounds technical, but theconcept is just simple. There are two things you should know about semiconductors. The firstone is the fact that semiconductor is not exclusive to solar. In fact, it is very beneficial in thefield of electronics. Thats why there is a shortage of silicon. The second one is the fact thatsemiconductor itself is very common in the world of technology. Other materials, such ascopper indium diselenide and cadmium telluride, are also used, but only lesser efficiencies.

Basically, a semiconductor is a device in a solar cell that absorbs sunlight and enables thedivision of electrons from heat waves. They can be used to generate electrical currents whenelectrons are freed. Hence, you always have the importance of semiconductors in themanufacturing of solar cell. A semiconductor has 2 traits, which are very important to theproduction of electricity:

Absorption Coefficient. Technically speaking, this concept is a measure as to how farthe light can go through a material before being absorbed. This varies based on the kindof material and the light wavelength being absorbed. In solar cells, semiconductors havea rapid absorption, so the sunlight can be readily absorbed.

The Bandgap. Baaically, this represents the least amount of energy required to free anelectron. A semiconductor material has 2 bands. The first one is the valence band,where there is a low energy level. The second one is the conduction band, where thereis a higher energy level and electrons are freed and can move freely.

The semiconductor is the most important part of the solar cell, especially when talking aboutthe science behind the work. It may be a bit confusing to you, but it is normal. Not all peoplecan appreciate the world of semiconductor technicalities, but all people can identify itsapplications and uses. While the physical science may be tough to understand, the works ofsemiconductors are fairly simple. Just understand that when the light wave is being absorbedby the semiconductor at a certain depth, it will have the capacity to free the energetic electronsfrom atomic bonds within a semiconductor material or silicon. Basically, the electrons bound inthe valence band are energized and released into the conduction band where they produceelectricity.

Throughout the years, scientists are searching for the best ways to create solar cells that aresmaller, competitive in price, and more flexible. The price must be reasonable enough as to perwatt as to electricity. When talking about the global function, the importance of

semiconductors and solar energy will be based on searching for the latest materials that canproduce sound solar cells economically and act as semiconductors.