Solar cells: principle of operation and scope

The transformation of solar energy into electrical has long been of interest to electronic circuit designers. The use of solar cells in various devices opens new prospects in their use. Household appliances equipped with such devices become non-volatile. This immediately affects their performance, they become more attractive to the consumer. Solar cells are used in calculators, which is a good example of their integration into electronic devices.

Energy processes occurring on the Sun? Truly colossal. In one second, as a result of nuclear fusion , as much energy is being generated as humanity can spend for half a million years. Taking only a small part of this process, you can forget about energy crises for a long time. This task is successfully solved by solar cells. The technology of manufacturing such devices is constantly being improved, they become affordable, more compact and, most importantly, more powerful. Already today, there are whole power stations, where solar cells work, generating electricity for human needs.

Designers designed and built "smart houses", which became non-volatile as a result of the use of solar panels. Energy in such a structure is obtained by converting sunlight into electricity. It also accumulates in powerful accumulators to cover the deficit on cloudy days if necessary. Solar cells in such a house are located on the roof, and the rest of the installation, respectively, in a separate attic room.

Separately, we need to talk about the use of solar panels in the automotive industry. There are already cars with hybrid engines that use the energy of the sun. They can decently save on fuel and are environmentally safe.

For household needs, you can make solar cells yourself, for this you do not need scarce parts. Find the old high-power transistors in a metal case and gently cut off the top cover. Inside, you will see a crystal, that's what we need. When light hits it, a potential difference appears at the base-emitter transition. By connecting such elements in parallel, we will increase the power of the device. With a series connection, the output voltage rises. A small solar battery, assembled in this way, can become a power source for the radio receiver. This is quite relevant on a picnic or on a long trip. The solar cell can be made with the help of powerful diodes. To do this, you also need to expose the crystal by removing the top cover of the device.

It is recommended to collect the solar battery on a PCB, by organizing the preliminary assembling of the elements in groups. Some of these groups are connected in parallel, and a part - in series. It turns out a mixed connection of all elements. A ready solar battery is placed in an aluminum frame and covered with glass with good transparency. After that, the glass is fixed with glue.