CE532: The Physics of Solar Cells and IV Curves

Description

You may know that a solar cell loses voltage with heat, but we explain WHY (and it's not resistance). You learn about why some colors of light are absorbed by a cell and others aren't. You learn about why the STC conditions always include 'Air Mass 1.5' and why that's important. You learn that there are actually TWO currents of electrons inside a cell, flowing in opposite directions. And we finish up by explaining why shaded modules get that weird 'dolphin nose' shape and why bypass diodes are your friends. After taking this course, when asked how a solar cell works, you'll be able to go way beyond 'It's magic' - although it is pretty magical.