2. Anatomy of a photovoltaic cell

Once this radiation reaches the ground, it must be converted into electricity. This is done within a photovoltaic cell.

Photovoltaic cells can be made from inorganic or organic materials. Here, we will focus primarily on inorganic semiconductor-based cells, as they still account for the vast majority of commercial devices. However, hybrid organic-inorganic materials are the subject of intense research and will also be discussed.

In general terms, semiconductor-based photovoltaic cells consist of a p-n junction, where light is converted into electricity, and electrical contacts that allow the generated charges to be collected. These cells are coated with a protective layer that acts as an anti-reflective coating and are deposited on a substrate that determines the cell’s mechanical properties. This description will be elaborated upon in the...