Shining new light on solar cell development

We are aware of the developments made in the field of using renewable energies. Renewable energies are available in abundant amounts and act as a great source of energy which has proved to be successful in replacing non-renewable energy resources. One such application of renewable energy is Solar cells.

Solar cells are devices that convert light energy into electrical energy. They are made up of semiconductor materials like silicon. There are various advantages of solar cells :

• Economy-friendly energy.
• Long-term energy
• Infinite energy
• Innovative energy.

ANU researchers have found a way for increasing the efficiency of silicon photovoltaic (PV) or solar cells.

Keywords: solar cells, Photovoltaic cells, energy, silicon, renewable energy 

Mohamed Ismael, lead ANU researcher and PhD candidate was the pioneer of this research. He said, "These findings will help push the performance of silicon solar cells closer to their theoretical limit. Each day, the sun produces significantly more energy than is needed to power the whole planet. The only limitation is our ability to economically convert it to electricity".

Considering the current scenario, solar cells are not operating at their maximum capacity due to substantial electrical losses. These losses are generally associated with the direct contact of metals with silicon. The increased performance of solar cells can be achieved through the 'passivating contacts' between the metal and silicon parts of the solar cell. This makes to make them more productive.

Dr. Lachlan Black said, "Transition metal oxides such as titanium oxide have many qualities that make them ideal as passivating contact layers. This isn't a new idea, but the way in which we combined these layers has produced better results and higher operating voltages than anything previously reported. If successful, we could see our technology in almost all new solar panels installed on your roof or utility-scale solar plants".

The PV market is a multi-billion-dollar industry. Silicon solar cells contribute 95 percent of all commercial solar cells to it. They are predicted to be on heights even in the future. 

Researcher Ismael said, "Improving the efficiency of solar cells guarantees more clean energy at a reduced cost. This not only helps to address climate change but opens up new economic opportunities for this low-cost clean energy".

The research team is hoping to develop the technology that will prove to be useful to industrial solar cells on a large scale. The PV community is already working to resolve various current challenges so that the technology can be easily implemented.

This study definitely shows ways to increase the development in the field of solar cells. It has also provided a way for the enhancement of renewable energy resources.