Renewable energy is any energy source that is naturally

replenished, like that derived from solar, wind, geothermal or

hydroelectric action. Energy produced from the refining of
biomass is also often classified as renewable. Coal, oil or natural
gas, on the other hand, are finite sources.
The most common definition is that renewable energy is from an energy resource
that is replaced rapidly by a natural process such as power generated from the sun
or from the wind.

a photovoltaic cell that converts sunlight directly into electricity.

A photovoltaic cell (PV cell) is a

specialized semiconductor diode that converts visible light into
direct current (DC). Some PV cells can also convert infrared (IR) or
ultraviolet (UV) radiation into DC electricity. Photovoltaic cells are
an integral part of solar-electric energy systems, which are
becoming increasingly important as alternative sources of utility
power.
A photoelectric cell designed to convert sunlight into electrical energy,typically
consisting of layers or sheets of specially prepared silicon.Electrons, displaced th
rough the photoelectric effect by the Sun's radiantenergy in one layer, flow ac
ross a junction to the other layer, creating avoltage across the layers that can pr
ovide power to an external circuit.Solar cells are used as power supplies in calcu
lators, satellites, and otherdevices, and as a primary source of electricity in rem
ote locations.

A solar cell or photovoltaic cell is a device which generates electricity directly from
visible light by means of the photovoltaic effect. In order to generate useful power, it is
necessary to connect a number of cells together to form a solar panel, also known as a
photovoltaic module. There is more about the the different types of solar cell here. The
nominal output voltage of a solar panel is usually 12 Volts, and they may be used singly
or wired together into an array. The number and size required is determined by the
available light and the amount of energy required.

A solar cell is any device that directly converts the energy in light into electrical energy through
the process of photovoltaics. The development of solar cell technology begins with the 1839
research of French physicist Antoine-Csar Becquerel. Becquerel observed the photovoltaic
effect while experimenting with a solid electrode in an electrolyte solution when he saw a voltage
develope when light fell upon the electrode.

Monocrystalline Silicon Solar PV: most efficient

Generally, monocrystalline silicon solar PV is the best technology to deliver efficiency, as measured
by wattage output related to the panels size. But this efficiency can come with costs. The best value
is solar PV technology is polycrystalline silicon, offering efficiency levels close to monocrystalline
panels, but at half the costs in some cases.
Monocrystalline solar is made by growing a single crystal. Because these crystals are usually an
oval shape, monocrystalline panels are cut into the distinctive patterns that give them their
recognizable appearance: the sliced silicon cells expose the missing corners in the grid-like
structure. The crystal framework in a monocrystalline is even, producing a steady blue color and no
grain marks, giving it the best purity and highest efficiency levels.

A polycrystalline panel

Polycrystalline Silicon Solar PV: best value

Polycrystalline solar is made by pouring molten silicon into a cast. However, because of this
construction method, the crystal structure will form imperfectly, creating boundaries where the crystal
formation breaks. This gives the polycrystalline silicon its distinctive, grainy appearance, as the
gemstone type pattern highlights the boundaries in the crystal.
Because of these impurities in the crystal, polycrystalline silicon is less efficient when compared with
monocrystalline. However, this manufacturing process uses less energy and materials, giving it a
significant cost advantage over monocrystalline silicon. (Polycrystalline and multicrystalline are often
synonyms, but multicrystalline is often meant to refer to silicon with crystallites larger than 1 mm.)

A thin-film installation

Thin-Film Solar PV: portable and light weight

The technology with the lowest market share is thin-film, but while it has several disadvantages, it is
a good option for projects with lesser power requirements but needs for light weight and portability.

Thin-film technologies have produced a maximum efficiency of 20.3%, with the most common
material amorphous silicon at 12.5%.
Thin-film panels can be constructed from a variety of materials, with the main options being
amorphous silicon (a-Si), the most prevalent type, cadmium telluride (CdTe) and copper indium
gallium selenide (CIS/CIGS). As a technology thats still emerging, thin-film cells have the potential to
be less expensive. Thin-film could be a driver in the consumer market, where price considerations
could make it more competitive.
Solar PV Efficiency
According to the U.S Department of Energy, polycrystalline silicon is leading the market share with
55% of PV technology shipments in 2013, compared with 36% for monocrystalline. So far, research
has produced polycrystalline cells with a maximum efficiency of 20.4% with monocrystalline
technology pushing the boundaries at 25%.
Whether its the rooftop of a home or a solar farm for a grid-connected utility, space and area are
often a key component of any solar power project, which often makes module efficiency a critical
element for project developers. Most solar panels range in efficiencies of 13 to 16%, though some
high-end model modules can reach percentages as high as 20%.
For most applications, a mono- or polycrystalline solar PV solution is usually the best option, as
these established technologies generally provide the right balance of price, efficiency and reliability.
For most commercial and industrial use, the crystalline silicon is still the standard and stands to be
for years to come. Vasari Energy has found that the polycrystalline product offers our clients with the
desired match of efficiency, durability and price.

Monocrystalline Silicon (Single Silicon)

Right now, these are the most efficient types of solar panels. In other words, when
sunlight hits these panels, more of it turns into electricity than the other types below. As a
result of their high silicon content, theyre also more expensive, but you need fewer of
them. Thats why theyre ideal for roofs. You can tell if you have a monocrystalline solar
panel by its square-ish cells.

Polycrystalline Silicon (Multi-silicon)

Poly panels have lower silicon levels than mono panels. In general, that makes them
less expensive to produce, but theyre also slightly less efficient. The good news is that
their overall construction design can often make up for the efficiency loss, so theyre also
good for roofs. You can tell poly-silicon panels by their groovy mlange of silicon woven
through thin rectangular conduit wires. Thin film (amorphous silicon, cadmium telluride,

copper indium gallium (di)selenide). Everyone talks about thin film because theyre really
inexpensive to make and they dont mind the heat, which is all cool. Except right now,
theyre very inefficient, which means youll see them in big solar farm projects with a lot of
land, but not on your roof.

BIPV (Building Integrated

Photovoltaics)

BIPVs can look like real roofing tiles (solar shingles are an example). Thats nice, but
good looks do cost a lot more. Second, theyre way less efficient than conventional PV,
which means you need a sunny spacious roof to make a dent in your electric bill. Finally,
they may not last as long as regular panels. Right now, Pure Energies doesnt contract for
BIPV systems.

Solar Thermal Panels

Finally, theres another type of solar panel that has nothing to do with electricity. Instead of
paying the gas company to heat your hot water tank, solar thermal panels produce hot
water for your home and/or your pool. Some systems can even provide heat and air
conditioning. Pure Energies currently doesnt offer solar thermal deals. More
information: Solar Hot Water vs Solar PV .

Thin-Film Solar Cells (TFSC)

Depositing one or several thin layers of photovoltaic material onto a substrate is the basic
gist of how thin-film solar cells are manufactured. They are also known as thin-film
photovoltaic cells (TFPV). The different types of thin-film solar cells can be categorized by
which photovoltaic material is deposited onto the substrate:

Amorphous silicon (a-Si)

Cadmium telluride (CdTe)

Copper indium gallium selenide (CIS/CIGS)

Organic photovoltaic cells (OPC)

Depending on the technology, thin-film module prototypes have reached efficiencies

between 713% and production modules operate at about 9%. Future module efficiencies
are expected to climb close to the about 1016%. [4]

The market for thin-film PV grew at a 60% annual rate from 2002 to 2007. [5] In 2011, close to
5% of U.S. photovoltaic module shipments to the residential sector were based on thin-film.
[1]

Cara kerja
Bila sel surya itu dikenakan pada sinar matahari, maka akan timbul yang dinamakan
elektron. Elektron-elektron yang timbul di sekitar pn junction bergerak berturut-turut ke arah
lapisan n dan ke arah lapisan p. Sehingga pada saat elektron-elektron itu melintasi pn
junction, timbul beda potensial pada kedua ujung sel surya. Jika pada kedua ujung sel
surya diberi beban maka timbul arus listrik yang mengalir.

When a solar cell exposed to sunshine, then there

will be arise electron, The electrons that arise
around the pn junction layer moves to n and p
layers. So when the electrons across the pn

junction, raised potential difference at both ends of

the solar cell. If at both ends of the solar cell given
the load so electric current will flow.