2. Photovoltaic component physics

The aim of this section is to present in simple terms some elements of the physical model of the band pattern in crystalline semiconductors, and to give the basic formulas governing the distribution of electrons at thermodynamic equilibrium and the mechanisms of electrical conduction. For more details on this part, which concerns the quantum physics of solids, please refer to Alain Ricaud's book Photopiles solaires, and Kittel's book Physique de l'état solide...