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Photovoltaic Cell Generations and Current Research Directions for Their Development

Justyna Pastuszak¹, Paweł Węgierek¹

¹Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Lublin University of Technology, Nadbystrzycka 38 A, 20-618 Lublin, Poland.

Materials (Basel, Switzerland)

|August 26, 2022

Summary

This paper reviews photovoltaic cell generations, highlighting advancements in solar-to-electric conversion efficiency and manufacturing. Silicon cells remain dominant, with ongoing research focused on improving their performance and developing next-generation technologies.

Area of Science:

Materials Science
Renewable Energy Engineering
Solid State Physics

Background:

Photovoltaics are crucial for environmental protection and reducing fossil fuel dependence.
Understanding photovoltaic cell generations is key to advancing solar energy technology.

Purpose of the Study:

To review photovoltaic cell generations, focusing on development and manufacturing technologies.
To discuss current research trends, including third and fourth-generation cells.
To analyze the market relevance of silicon-based photovoltaic cells.

Main Methods:

Literature review of photovoltaic cell generations.
Analysis of solar-to-electric conversion efficiencies.
Examination of manufacturing technologies for different cell types.

Main Results:

Photovoltaic cell development spans multiple generations, each with improved efficiency and manufacturing.
Third-generation cells (e.g., multi-junction, intermediate band) and fourth-generation graphene-based cells show significant advancements.
Silicon-based photovoltaic cells continue to dominate the market despite newer technologies.

Conclusions:

Research into improving silicon cell efficiency remains highly relevant.
Emerging technologies like graphene-based cells represent future directions in photovoltaic development.
Continued innovation across all photovoltaic generations is essential for sustainable energy solutions.

Keywords:

efficiency photovoltaic photovoltaic cell manufacturing technologies photovoltaic generations renewable energy solar cells

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