FIZ 476E - Solar Energy Physics &Tech. II

Course Objectives

1. Providing fundamental understanding of the functioning of solar cells.
2. Developing the understandable and complete physical principles underlying the function of a semiconductor solar cell.
3. Providing thermodynamic knowledge allowing a general determination of the efficiency limits.
4. Providing basic information on the bulk and thin film solar cell structure and technology

Course Description

Energy economy and solar energy. Photons. Semiconductors. Conversion of thermal radiation into chemical energy. Conversion of chemical energy into electrical energy. Basic structure of solar cells. Limitation of energy conversion in solar cells. Concepts for improving the efficiency of solar cells. Materials, structures and technologies.