Chapter 23 - Nanomaterials based solar cells

Abstract

Solar photovoltaic technology, which harnesses the sun's energy, is regarded as one of the most available and long-term renewable energy sources. A solar cell uses the photovoltaic effect to convert solar radiation into electricity. Nanotechnology has made a big difference in solar cell development. Solar cell manufacturing has passed through continuous improvement from silicon-based solar cells in the first generation to nanomaterials-based cells in the third generation. The first-generation solar cell includes a single and polycrystalline silicon wafer. These solar cells have a solar conversion efficiency of 12% to 14%. The second-generation solar includes amorphous silicon, CdTe, and CIGS solar cell with solar conversion efficiency between 4% and 12%. The third-generation solar cell includes a dye-sensitized, polymer, concentrated, and nanocrystal-based solar cells. The third-generation solar cell produces high-performance devices at a low cost, and solar conversion efficiency of 40% has been achieved. The nanomaterials-based solar cell enhanced the solar cell efficiency significantly. In this chapter, the concept of solar photovoltaic has been discussed with its classification. In addition, a surge theory of solar cells, their classification, and the various types of nanomaterials used for high-efficiency solar cells production are all covered in this chapter. Different types of nanomaterials-based solar cells are also discussed in this chapter.