Photovoltaic cells – how they work

Environment
Published: 31 August 2010
Edited: 18 October 2018
by Muriel Watt
ISSN: 2207-466X

This note was reviewed in October 2018 and retained for legacy. 

Energy analyst and photovoltaics (PV) lecturer Muriel Watt provides an up-to-date overview of PV technology and markets in Australia. Watt shows that new technologies and lower costs have allowed for the rapid expansion of PV’s urban applications.

Olmedilla Photovoltaic Park in Olmedilla de Alarcón, Spain
Olmedilla Photovoltaic Park in Olmedilla de Alarcón, Spain, is one of the world’s largest photovoltaic plant.(Image: Nobesol and Siliken)

This paper will help practitioners understand basic design strategies to optimise performance and identify opportunities for integrating PV cells into the built environment.

 Note Summary
  1. Introduction
  2. How solar cells work
  3. Photovoltaic cell types
  4. The Australian photovoltaic market
  5. Innovation
  6. Conclusion