The Physics of Solar Cells (Properties of Semiconductor Materials) (Hardcover)

by Jenny Nelson (Author) "Solar photovoltaic energy conversion is a one-step conversion process which generates electrical energy from light energy..." (more)
Key Phrases: carrier solar cell, light trapping structures, path length enhancements, Fermi Dirac, Shockley Read Hall, Fermi's Golden Rule (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
Photovoltaics will play an increasingly important role in a future low-carbon energy economy. Jenny Nelson has provided a splendidly clear, concise and readable account of the basic semiconductor physics of the solar cell, complete with student exercises and solutions. In the two fascinating final chapters, she takes her readers beyond the limit of performance of the present-day crystalline silicon cell, describing advanced design concepts that could provide greatly improved efficiency. Warmly recommended to all who want to know how this beautiful technology really works. --Mary Archer, Cambridge University

This book does a good job of clarifying the fundamental issues and is a less advanced text. -- Physics Today

This book is clear and concise, gives adequate references and exercises, it summarizes the symbols and displays clear, legible, and informative illustrations. Nelson s obvious experience in lecturing on solar cells has made this book a most useful and recommendable reading --Hans J Queisser, Max-Planck-Institute of Solid-State Research

This book is more encyclopedic, with clear figures and broad scope. It does a good job of clarifying the fundamental issues and is a less advanced text. It is, therefore, probably more approachable and more useful to the general reader --Physics Today

This handy little book offers a pretty comprehensive introduction to the basic physics of the PV cell. -- Photovoltaic Bulletin, September 2003

Warmly recommended to all who want to know how this beautiful technology really works. -- Mary Archer, Cambridge University

Product Description
This book provides a comprehensive introduction to the physics of the photovoltaic cell. It is suitable for undergraduates, graduate students, and researchers new to the field. It covers: basic physics of semiconductors in photovoltaic devices; physical models of solar cell operation; characteristics and design of common types of solar cell; and approaches to increasing solar cell efficiency. The text explains the terms and concepts of solar cell device physics and shows the reader how to formulate and solve relevant physical problems. Exercises and worked solutions are included.

Contents: Photons In, Electrons Out: Basic Principles of PV; Electrons and Holes in Semiconductors; Generation and Recombination; Junctions; Analysis of the p n Junction; Monocrystalline Solar Cells; Thin Film Solar Cells; Managing Light; Over the Limit: Strategies for Higher Efficiency.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 384 pages
• Publisher: Imperial College Press; illustrated edition edition (September 5, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1860943403
• ISBN-13: 978-1860943409
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,261,834 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very good coverage, August 13, 2008

By	R. E. Rosensweig (Summit, NJ USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Physics of Solar Cells (Properties of Semiconductor Materials) (Paperback)

This book provides a well thought out introduction to the physics of photovoltaic cells and systems. The treatment provides mathematical details at a level that will be accessible to science and engineering graduates and upper class undergraduates. Some derivations are not as well explained as others. However, the working relationships are worth knowing and can serve as a lead into other references. The book is well worth its relatively modest cost.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars very good book., September 12, 2008

By	Larry Winiarski - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Physics of Solar Cells (Properties of Semiconductor Materials) (Paperback)

I feel this is a very good book for advanced undergraduates
and graduate students interested in the physics of solar cells. It
is not a beginner book, as some background is expected.

Solid state physics is difficult and complicated. There are a lot
of different things going on at the same time, and I feel it's good to
get explanations from several different authors viewpoints. I have
several books now on the subject, but I find myself looking at
this one more than the others. I think the author fills in a lot of
details missing in other texts.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Physics of Solar Cells, February 10, 2009

By	Alan Jerome Richard - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Physics of Solar Cells (Properties of Semiconductor Materials) (Paperback)

Good book if you are interested in Solar Energy.
Kind of hard material to understand I thought.