Present solar cells have a lower cost, higher efficiency and longer lifetime than those produced 10 years ago. In this comprehensive resource, international authorities discuss recent advances in solar cell research which have enhanced the capabilities of solar cells in applications running the gamut from space power to miniature devices. Recent dramatic breakthroughs in solar cell research have enhanced the capabilities of solar cells for applications ranging from space power technology to terrestrial systems. Key demonstration projects have shown that this technology is now beginning to meet the efficiency and cost requirements for practical, large-scale, terrestrial energy conversion.
Edited by leading solar cell researcher Dr. Larry D. Partain, Solar Cells and Their Applications is a comprehensive report on the state of the art of solar cell technology. Contributions by some of the world's leading experts in the field cover a broad range of topics of vital interest to solar cell researchers, power systems designers, and all those with a professional interest in the current and future capabilities of this important technology.
Following Dr. Partain's review of solar cell fundamentals, this book describes technologies that have produced superior performance in specific areas that have yet to be fully commercially exploited. In chapters by experts from government, aca-demic, and private industry research centers, Solar Cells and Their Applications presents in-depth discussions of cell, module, and system technologies, and covers silicon, GaAs, InP, CdTe, a-Si:H, CuInSe29 and GaSb solar cells, concentrators, multijunction cell configurations, space cells, and other related topics. As these essays demonstrate, increased efficiency, greater durability, and lower cost have made promising new applications-both terrestrial and space-based--possible.
A series of probing chapters on environmental, health, and safety issues, photovoltaic market analysis, the outlook for future space program needs, and the role of government in terrestrial programs examines solar cell technology in a larger context. A concluding chapter by Dr. Partain provides a thoughtful overview of the status and potential of the solar cell field.
An authoritative look at exciting new advances in . . .
SOLAR CELLS AND THEIR APPLICATIONS
The past decade has witnessed numerous important breakthroughs in solar cell technology, many of which have occurred in just the past few years. Far cheaper to produce and maintain, exhibiting a longer lifetime, and considerably more efficient than ever before, solar cells are, at last, in a position to compete with traditional technologies for both small- and large-scale energy conversion applications.
Including contributions from some of the world's leading experts in the field, this book reports the most important recent advances in solar cell technology. From in-depth discussions of breakthroughs in cell, module, and system technologies to a probing look at important environmental, health, and safety issues in the photovoltaic industry, it covers a broad range of topics of vital interest to solar cell researchers, power systems designers, and all those with a professional interest in current and future capabilities of this important technology.
Offers a detailed look at cutting-edge solar cell technology from an international team of researchers
Covers silicon, GaAs, InP, CdTe, a-Si:H, CuInSe29 and GaSb solar cells, concentrators, multijunction cell configurations, space cells, and more
Describes a wide range of applications--from space cells to terrestrial systems
Provides an informed look ahead at the future of solar cell technology
Edited by leading solar cell researcher Dr. Larry D. Partain, Solar Cells and Their Applications is a comprehensive report on the state of the art of solar cell technology. Contributions by some of the world's leading experts in the field cover a broad range of topics of vital interest to solar cell researchers, power systems designers, and all those with a professional interest in the current and future capabilities of this important technology.
Following Dr. Partain's review of solar cell fundamentals, this book describes technologies that have produced superior performance in specific areas that have yet to be fully commercially exploited. In chapters by experts from government, aca-demic, and private industry research centers, Solar Cells and Their Applications presents in-depth discussions of cell, module, and system technologies, and covers silicon, GaAs, InP, CdTe, a-Si:H, CuInSe29 and GaSb solar cells, concentrators, multijunction cell configurations, space cells, and other related topics. As these essays demonstrate, increased efficiency, greater durability, and lower cost have made promising new applications-both terrestrial and space-based--possible.
A series of probing chapters on environmental, health, and safety issues, photovoltaic market analysis, the outlook for future space program needs, and the role of government in terrestrial programs examines solar cell technology in a larger context. A concluding chapter by Dr. Partain provides a thoughtful overview of the status and potential of the solar cell field.
An authoritative look at exciting new advances in . . .
SOLAR CELLS AND THEIR APPLICATIONS
The past decade has witnessed numerous important breakthroughs in solar cell technology, many of which have occurred in just the past few years. Far cheaper to produce and maintain, exhibiting a longer lifetime, and considerably more efficient than ever before, solar cells are, at last, in a position to compete with traditional technologies for both small- and large-scale energy conversion applications.
Including contributions from some of the world's leading experts in the field, this book reports the most important recent advances in solar cell technology. From in-depth discussions of breakthroughs in cell, module, and system technologies to a probing look at important environmental, health, and safety issues in the photovoltaic industry, it covers a broad range of topics of vital interest to solar cell researchers, power systems designers, and all those with a professional interest in current and future capabilities of this important technology.
Offers a detailed look at cutting-edge solar cell technology from an international team of researchers
Covers silicon, GaAs, InP, CdTe, a-Si:H, CuInSe29 and GaSb solar cells, concentrators, multijunction cell configurations, space cells, and more
Describes a wide range of applications--from space cells to terrestrial systems
Provides an informed look ahead at the future of solar cell technology