The photovoltaic generation of electricity

Since the principles underlying all photovoltaic devices are the same, the paper describes their construction and operation in terms of the silicon solar cell for photovoltaic generation of electricity. The behavior of electrons in a silicon crystal is outlined. The silicon solar cell is referred to as a wafer of p-type silicon with a thin layer of n-type silicon on one side. Particular attention is given to technological processes for growing silicon crystals and to the cost effectiveness of photovoltaic cells. Solar energy will become more attractive as the price of energy-producing fuels increases and as environmental restrictions further raise the cost of generating electricity with them.