A Comparative Analysis of Different Si Solar Cell Fabrication Methods for Efficiency/Cost Optimization
Abstract
In this paper, Si based solar cells are examined on a large-scale photovoltaics (PV) generation systems application. Efficiency calculations are briefly reviewed, and the common conventions used for these calculations are addressed. The evolution of Si based solar cell efficiencies are examined over the years and compared between different types of Si solar cell types (monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin film). Furthermore, cost per watt evolution of crystalline solar cells are examined to showcase the improvement in cost per watt. Finally, a brief look into the advantages and disadvantages of monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin film Si solar cells are examined. It is also, shown how polycrystalline Si solar cells are currently the dominant form of Si solar cells in the PV market.
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