Solar Cells are photodiodes.
Photodiodes are semiconductor junctions. Junctions have a postive and negative side separated by a “depletion” region. When photons of light are absorbed by the photodiode in the depletion region, electrical charge carriers are created which contribute to an electric current. These tend to be swept toward one side or the other depending on their charges.
Silicon is a semiconductor. If a photodiode is constructed out of silicon it would be like a solar cell.
From the non-technical standpoint:
Refined, solar-grade silicon is the raw material used to make the most common type of solar cell. The silicon was selling for $450 per kilogram on the spot market not too long ago, making cells expensive, and margins for cell producers very thin. Currently, with the economic slowdown, and increased supply, the silicon is under $200 a kilogram. This should lead to lower-priced solar panels in the coming year, unless market demand keeps the prices high.
Solar Cells are photodiodes.
Photodiodes are semiconductor junctions. Junctions have a postive and negative side separated by a “depletion” region. When photons of light are absorbed by the photodiode in the depletion region, electrical charge carriers are created which contribute to an electric current. These tend to be swept toward one side or the other depending on their charges.
Silicon is a semiconductor. If a photodiode is constructed out of silicon it would be like a solar cell.
From the non-technical standpoint:
Refined, solar-grade silicon is the raw material used to make the most common type of solar cell. The silicon was selling for $450 per kilogram on the spot market not too long ago, making cells expensive, and margins for cell producers very thin. Currently, with the economic slowdown, and increased supply, the silicon is under $200 a kilogram. This should lead to lower-priced solar panels in the coming year, unless market demand keeps the prices high.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_cell
Look up Theory, and they have “Simple Explanation” that’s pretty good.