Photovoltaic Fundamentals: P-Type and N-Type Semiconductors

Poly panels have lower silicon levels and are less efficient than mono panels.

The overall construction design of poly-silicon panels can often make up for the efficiency loss.

'Amorphous' means shapeless in the context of amorphous solar panels.

<p>The low power output of amorphous silicon solar cells limited their use to small applications initially.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Thin film solar panels are inexpensive to make and can withstand heat well.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>BTM system provides power on-site without passing through a meter, while front-of-meter system provides power to off-site locations after passing through an electric meter.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Panel efficiency, panel technology, and temperature coefficient.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A monocrystalline solar panel can be identified by its square-ish cells.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Mono Crystalline Silicon Module</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Mono crystalline silicon modules are more expensive due to their high silicon content, but ideal for roofs because they are highly efficient and require fewer panels.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>-0.32%</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>In series, the voltage adds up while the current remains the same. In parallel, the current adds up while the voltage remains the same.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>c-Si modules are very sensitive to shading because shading can significantly reduce their efficiency.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Safety standards for PV modules and panels.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A blocking diode is used to prevent reverse current flow from the battery to the panels.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>8-9%</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Polycrystalline solar cells are made from raw silicone formed into blocks, while monocrystalline panels are made from a single-crystal silicon.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>13-15%</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Monocrystalline panels have a single crystal composition, providing more room for electrons to move compared to polycrystalline cells.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Bifacial solar panels capture sunlight from both sides, increasing energy production by up to 30% compared to single-sided panels.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>P-type semiconductors have holes as charge carriers, while n-type semiconductors have electrons as charge carriers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The voltage is inversely proportional to temperature for c-Si cells, so when temperature decreases, voltage increases.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Between 28 and 35 milliamps per square centimeter.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Current is proportional to cell surface area, so when surface area increases, current increases.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Solar irradiance has an effect on voltage up to 200W/m2, beyond which there is little effect.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Exceeding 70%</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Thin-film materials</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Around 25°C (77°F)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It decreases</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>-0.5%</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Efficiency varies with the amount of solar irradiance</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Solar irradiance (W/m²)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Power output</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>-0.5%/°C</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>5%</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Single-crystalline silicon is grown as a single crystal, while multi-crystalline silicon is cast into an ingot of multiple crystals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Ribbon silicon is drawn out and allowed to cool and solidify as a continuous multi-crystalline strip.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Amorphous silicon is deposited as a thin film.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The I-V curve represents all voltage and current values for a specific module.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Solar cells work most efficiently at the MPP because it is the point of maximum output of the PV module.</p> Signup and view all the answers