Solar energy is transforming the global energy landscape. With over 1 terawatt (TW) of solar capacity installed globally by 2023, solar power has become one of the fastest-growing renewable energy sources. The UK alone has contributed approximately 14 gigawatts (GW) to this figure, supporting its commitment to a greener future. As governments, businesses, and homeowners seek sustainable energy solutions, solar cells have emerged as a critical technology for reducing carbon footprints and lowering energy costs.

Recent advancements in solar technology are making solar energy more accessible and efficient. This guide will walk you through the basics of solar cells, how they work, and why they are critical for a sustainable future.

Key Takeaways

  • Solar cells use the photovoltaic effect to convert sunlight into electricity, providing a clean, renewable energy source.
  • The most common types of solar cells include monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film, each with unique efficiency and cost characteristics. Emerging technologies like perovskite solar cells offer promising advancements in efficiency and affordability.
  • As of 2023, global solar capacity has exceeded 1 terawatt (TW), with the UK contributing 14 gigawatts (GW) and aiming to double its solar capacity by 2030.
  • Solar cells are used in various applications, from powering homes and businesses to solar farms, electric vehicle charging stations, and space exploration.
  • The future of solar technology includes innovations such as bifacial panels, transparent solar windows, and solar-powered transportation, all of which contribute to a more sustainable energy landscape.
  • While solar energy faces challenges such as weather dependency and initial installation costs, advancements in storage and efficiency are helping to overcome these obstacles.

What Are Solar Cells?

Solar cells, also known as photovoltaic (PV) cells, are the foundational building blocks of solar panels. Their primary function is to convert sunlight directly into electricity. This process is based on the photovoltaic effect, where light energy is absorbed by semiconducting materials—typically silicon—and transformed into an electrical current. 

Most solar cells are composed of layers of semiconducting materials that absorb photons (light particles). These layers are treated to create an electric field, much like a battery, with a positive and a negative charge. When sunlight hits the solar cell, photons dislodge electrons from atoms within the semiconductor material, creating a flow of electricity.

There are several types of solar cells, each with distinct characteristics that make them suitable for different applications:

  1. Monocrystalline Solar Cells are made from a single, continuous crystal structure of silicon. They are the most efficient type of solar cell, often reaching efficiency rates between 20-22%. Due to their higher efficiency, they require less space to produce the same amount of electricity as other types. Their sleek black appearance also makes them a popular choice for residential installations. However, they are generally more expensive to produce, which is reflected in their cost.
  2. Polycrystalline Solar Cells are made from silicon crystals that are melted together. While they are less efficient than monocrystalline cells, typically reaching 15-17% efficiency, they are more affordable. Their blueish appearance results from how the silicon crystals interact with light. Polycrystalline panels, such as solar farms or large commercial rooftops, are often used in larger installations where space is not a limiting factor.
  3. Thin-Film Solar Cells deposit one or more thin layers of photovoltaic material, such as cadmium telluride or amorphous silicon, onto a substrate. These cells are lightweight and flexible, which makes them ideal for innovative applications like integrating solar cells into windows, building facades, or even wearable technologies. However, their efficiency is lower, generally, 10-12%, making them less suitable for installations where space efficiency is important.
  4. Perovskite Solar Cells, which offer the potential to revolutionise the solar industry. Made from a compound called perovskite, these cells are inexpensive to produce and have achieved efficiency rates of over 25% in laboratory settings. They hold the promise of lowering solar energy costs even further while increasing the efficiency of energy conversion. Though still in the experimental phase for widespread commercial use, perovskite cells are being tested for stability and scalability, with hopes that they will soon become a standard option in solar technology.

How Solar Cells Generate Electricity?

Solar cells harness sunlight through a process known as the photovoltaic effect. When sunlight strikes the surface of a solar cell, it initiates a chain reaction that generates electricity. The solar cell is composed of semiconductor materials, typically silicon, which has the unique property of absorbing photons—the tiny particles of light.

When these photons are absorbed, they excite electrons within the silicon atoms, freeing them from their atomic bonds. This movement of electrons creates an electric current. However, this is initially direct current (DC), which needs to be converted into alternating current (AC) — the type of electricity used in homes and businesses. This is done through a device known as an inverter. Once converted, the electricity can be used to power everything from appliances to industrial equipment or stored for later use in battery systems.

The photovoltaic effect is a seamless process that allows solar cells to transform sunlight into usable energy. This offers a renewable and sustainable power source that helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Applications of Solar Cells

Solar cells are an incredibly versatile technology with a wide range of applications, from powering homes and businesses to cutting-edge uses in transportation and even space exploration. As solar technology becomes more efficient and affordable, its applications continue to grow, transforming industries and everyday life.

Commercial and Industrial Applications

Solar cells power office buildings, warehouses, factories, and large-scale production facilities in commercial and industrial settings. These systems often involve installing solar panels on large, flat roofs, allowing businesses to offset a significant portion of their electricity usage. Solar power helps companies reduce their energy bills, lower carbon emissions, and achieve sustainability goals, which are increasingly important in today’s business environment.

Solar power can provide a reliable and sustainable energy source in the industrial sector, particularly energy-intensive operations such as manufacturing facilities, data centres, and cold storage units. Companies are increasingly integrating solar with energy storage solutions to ensure a continuous power supply, even during periods of low sunlight or high demand. Solar-powered factories and warehouses are becoming more common, and some facilities can operate off the grid for extended periods. 

Residential Applications

Homeowners are increasingly turning to solar cells to generate electricity for their homes. Residential solar panel installations, typically on rooftops, allow homeowners to produce energy and reduce their dependence on the grid. With rising energy costs, solar panels offer long-term financial benefits by reducing electricity bills. Moreover, excess energy produced can be fed back into the grid, allowing homeowners to earn credits or money from energy providers through programs like the Smart Export Guarantee.

Utility-Scale Solar Farms

Utility-scale solar farms consist of large arrays of solar panels spread across vast land areas, often in rural or desert regions. These farms generate massive amounts of electricity, which is then fed into the national grid. Solar farms play a key role in meeting the growing demand for renewable energy, with many countries, including the UK, investing in large-scale projects to achieve their climate goals.

Transportation Applications

Solar cells are also used in transportation, powering vehicles, charging stations, and infrastructure. Solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) charging stations are becoming more common, allowing drivers to charge their cars using clean energy. These stations are often installed at businesses, public spaces, and along highways, helping further reduce electric vehicles’ carbon footprint.

Agricultural Applications

Solar cells power farms and support sustainable farming practices in the agricultural sector. Solar-powered irrigation systems, greenhouses, and barns are increasingly common, helping farmers reduce their operational costs and reliance on fossil fuels. Solar panels can be installed on farm buildings or fields as part of agrivoltaics, where crops and solar panels coexist, maximising the land’s productivity.

 

The Benefits of Using Solar Cells

  • Economic Benefits: Businesses and homeowners can significantly reduce their electricity bills by switching to solar power. Additionally, various government incentives, such as capital allowances in the UK, make solar an even more attractive investment.
  • Environmental Benefits: Solar energy is a clean, renewable source of power that helps reduce carbon emissions and fight climate change.
  • Energy Independence: Solar cells allow businesses and individuals to generate electricity, reducing reliance on the grid and fossil fuels.

 

Solar Cells Powering the Future

Solar cells are driving the renewable energy revolution. Solar technology provides a reliable, efficient, and sustainable solution for businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprints and energy costs. With ongoing advancements and falling prices, solar power will play an even more significant role in the global energy mix in the coming years.

Ready to explore how solar energy can transform your business? Contact EvoEnergy today for tailored solar solutions that meet your sustainability goals.