Solar cells

A solar cell is the basic element used in the manufacture of solar modules. As a result of light impingement positive and negative charge carriers are released in the cells and an electric current flows (direct current). The efficiency (ratio of usable to input energy) of a solar cell made of poly-crystalline silicon under laboratory conditions lies in the range of 24 percent, and under actual manufacturing conditions the efficiency achieved is 14 to 20 percent. A cell made of mono-crystalline silicon attained an efficiency of about 24 percent under laboratory conditions and 14 to 17 percent under actual manufacturing conditions.