pre111 - Photovoltaic Physics

After successful completion of the module students should be able to:

-        describe schematically the events around the pn-junction under bias in the dark and under illumination

-        calculate the width of the space charge region

-        use solar cell data sheets in their professional career

-        discuss the concepts of solar cell materials, design and optimization
-        choose a PV technology for a given project

This specialization module covers the physics of photovoltaics. The behaviour of solar cells is discussed from a fundamental physical point of view to explain the differences in performance and limits of various photovoltaic materials. Students learn how solar cells function, are designed and optimized.

Physical Basics of Photovoltaics (Lecture & Exercises ‑ 180 h workload)

-        Optical and electronical properties of semiconductors, light absorption

-        Charge carrier generation/recombination/life time

-        Charge carrier transport across the pn-junction in equilibrium and under light and voltage bias,

-        Transport equations,

-        Current-voltage characteristics, efficiency

-        Quantum efficiency

-        Design concepts to optimize the efficiency
-        Overview of the most important PV technologies