Types of solar cells

Solar cells

Solar cells are devices of a photovoltaic nature, and they convert solar energy into electrical energy directly, based on the photovoltaic effect. They are also called photovoltaic and photovoltaic cells. Solar cell units collect and capture solar energy and then convert it into electricity.

Photovoltaic cell

Photovoltaics, known as a PV cell, directly convert captured solar rays into electricity, and are manufactured using solar panels covered with crystalline or non-crystalline elements, the most important of which is silicon.

Types of solar cells

• A cell based on monocrystalline silicon in its manufacture, and the efficiency of this type is 16%.
• A cell based on polycrystalline silicon. The efficiency of this type of cell is 13%.
• Morphic cells: In which layers of silicon are deposited on solar panels, the efficiency of this type is 3 x 6%, and is less expensive than the previous two types.

Some problems of using solar cells

• Exposure of solar panels to dust: Solar panels must be cleaned constantly and their purity maintained. Because the panels lose 50% of their energy if they are not cleaned for a month.
• It is not possible to benefit from the electrical energy produced from the conversion during night periods or in cloudy and dusty conditions. Energy is converted and used directly, and if devices are used to store energy, this will require purchasing expensive devices, and the opportunity to obtain energy for free will be lost, which is the main idea of ​​solar panels.
• High prices for solar cells; Solar cells are expensive, due to the use of rare elements during their manufacture, so some institutions and companies avoid using them.

Other sources of energy production

There are several other sources of energy production, including the following:

• Tidal Energy.
• Hydropower.
• Wind Energy.
• Energy generated by fuel cells.
• Windmills.

The future of using solar panels

In the future, the world aspires to rely on solar energy sources and renewable energy sources in general to obtain all of the country’s energy requirements. Now renewable energy units are being developed. Many countries have taken the initiative to significantly use renewable energy. India is one of the countries that most uses biofuels to meet the household’s gas needs. Likewise, Japan has manufactured cars that are powered by fuel cells, and the United States of America is exploiting renewable energy to produce 20% of the energy needed for the country’s needs.

We note that the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan makes great use of renewable energy in establishing projects for its development, and so far the Kingdom of Jordan uses 8% of renewable energy to meet the country’s needs.