What is a solar cell?
A solar cell is a kind of semiconductor
device that takes advantage of the photo-voltaic effect, in which
electricity is produced when the semiconductor's PN junction is irradiated.
When light strikes a solar cell, part of it is reflected, part of
it is absorbed, and part of it passes through the cell. The absorbed
light excites the bound electrons into a higher energy state, making
them free electrons. These free electrons move about in all directions
within the crystal, leaving holes where the electrons used to be,
and the holes also shift around the crystal. The electrons (-) collect
in the N-layer, the holes (+) in the P-layer. When the outside circuit
is closed, electricity flows. |
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Maintenance
Standard photovoltaic modules have a lifetime
of over 20 years. In most cases, when installed in non-polluted sites,
they are also easy to maintain. When solar panels are set at an angle
of greater than 15 degrees, their surface is cleaned naturally by
the rain, and loss of efficiency due to dust and other obstructions
is minimal. |
Multicrystal silicon solar cells
Kyocera is primarily active in R&D
and production of solar cells used to generate electric power. We
are working to create more efficient, lower-priced solar cells with
a larger surface area by developing multicrystalline silicon solar
cell technology. |
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There are three types of multicrystal
photovoltaic modules,
each used for a different purpose.
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Amorphous silicon solar cells
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Amorphous silicon solar cells are cells
containing non-crystalline silicon, which are produced using semiconductor
techniques. Amorphous silicon solar cells are mostly used as power
sources for devices requiring little electricity or as modulated light
sensors. They are common in pocket calculators, watches, light detectors
for cameras, and television and car navigator screens. |
WCubed
3775 Encinal Cyn
Malibu, CA 90265 |
Phone # (310) 589-9544
Fax # (310) 589-9714 |
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