Physics of Silicon Solar Cells
Discover how physics principles and technological innovations drive the development and efficiency of silicon-based solar energy systems.
Discover how physics principles and technological innovations drive the development and efficiency of silicon-based solar energy systems.
Dive deep into the physics and technology of silicon solar cells with this comprehensive course. Explore semiconductor physics, carrier transport phenomena, and the operating principles of p-n junctions and heterojunctions. Learn about solar cell fundamentals, including efficiency limitations and optical properties. Study the crystalline silicon photovoltaic technology from bulk crystal growth to cell fabrication. Gain insights into advanced concepts like multi-junction cells and III-V compound semiconductors. This course provides a solid foundation for understanding modern photovoltaic devices, emphasizing the dominant silicon technology while also covering emerging materials and techniques.
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What you'll learn
Understand the fundamental principles of semiconductor physics as applied to solar cells
Analyze carrier transport phenomena and p-n junction behavior in photovoltaic devices
Evaluate the impact of solar spectrum on cell performance and efficiency limitations
Describe the crystalline silicon solar cell manufacturing process from raw materials to finished cells
Compare silicon technology with III-V compound semiconductor solar cells
Apply knowledge of heterojunctions to understand advanced solar cell architectures
Skills you'll gain
This course includes:
5.42 Hours PreRecorded video
17 quizzes
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FullTime access
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There are 6 modules in this course
This course provides an in-depth exploration of the physics underlying silicon solar cells and their production technology. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of semiconductor physics, including band structure, doping, and carrier transport phenomena. The curriculum covers the operation of p-n junctions, metal-semiconductor contacts, and heterojunctions, which form the basis of solar cell devices. Learners will study the solar spectrum, fundamental principles of solar cell operation, and factors limiting conversion efficiency. The course also delves into the crystalline silicon photovoltaic technology, from bulk crystal growth to cell fabrication, and introduces advanced concepts such as multi-junction cells and III-V compound semiconductors. Through a combination of theoretical lectures, worked problems, and quizzes, students will develop a strong foundation in modern photovoltaic device physics and technology.
Introduction to Semiconductor Physics
Module 1 · 2 Hours to complete
Transport Phenomena: The p-n Junction
Module 2 · 2 Hours to complete
Asymmetrical Devices
Module 3 · 1 Hours to complete
Solar Cell Operation
Module 4 · 2 Hours to complete
Crystalline Semiconductor Solar Cells
Module 5 · 2 Hours to complete
Silicon Heterojunctions
Module 6 · 1 Hours to complete
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Instructors
CNRS Researcher
Erik Johnson is a CNRS researcher at the LPICM, located at the Ecole Polytechnique. In addition to his passion for teaching the physics and engineering of solar cells, his research interests focus on novel plasma processing for semiconductor devices. He is the current holder of the ANR Industrial Research Chair "PISTOL", in collaboration with Total.
Expert in Solar Energy and Photovoltaics
Bernard Drévillon is a Professor at École Polytechnique, where he specializes in material research for solar cell applications. After earning his PhD in High Energy Physics from the University of Paris-Sud in 1973, he transitioned to focus on thin film photovoltaics, particularly plasma-deposited amorphous silicon. Dr. Drévillon is renowned for developing the "Uvisel" spectroellipsometer, which has become a key instrument in the field, with over 800 units sold globally.He has authored or co-authored more than 300 publications, garnering over 8,000 citations and an H-index of 46. He served as the Editor-in-Chief of the European Physical Journal – Applied Physics for eleven years and was the Director of the Laboratory of Physics of Interfaces and Thin Films (LPICM) at École Polytechnique. Dr. Drévillon has played a pivotal role in the establishment of joint research initiatives, including collaborations with TOTAL on silicon solar cells and the Photovoltaic Institute IPVF.
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