A Perspective on the Evolution of Solar Cell and Solar Panel Materials

Abstract

With the ever-increasing need for energy and the dwindling supply of traditional energy sources, solar power has emerged as a viable option. The sun’s rays are not only an inexhaustible supply of energy but also a noiseless and pollution-free option for power generation. It can readily make up for the energy needs met by other finite and potentially hazardous resources like fossil fuels and oil reserves. Sunlight is the primary medium through which solar energy reaches Earth. A solar cell employs the photovoltaic effect to transform the light from the sun into electricity. Cost and efficiency are the two biggest obstacles to expanding the use of solar cells. Another issue with solar power is its intermittent supply. Many studies aim to enhance the efficiency of solar cells in some way. New photovoltaic materials have increased solar cell efficiency to over 24% (PCE), up from below 10% during the advent of thin-film photovoltaic cells in the 1970s. Current solar cells have a significant cost premium over market rates, by as much as an order of magnitude. Nonetheless, the field has a bright future thanks to some recent advancements. First, we survey the history and current state of solar cell technology.