A Primer on Photovoltaic Generators

The most common and efficient way to covert solar power into useful work is by photovoltaic generation. Photovoltaic cells are devices that convert radiative energy into electric energy. This chapter outlines the mechanism of photovoltaic conversion. The physical principles are introduced and described, and their implementation in real devices (cells and modules) is discussed with reference to the so called three solar cell generations, namely bulk cells, thin film cells, and cells based on dye sensitization. The role played by materials in each cell generation is also examined.