A Review of Photovoltaic Cell Generations and Simplified Overview of Bifacial Photovoltaic Cell Technology

• Published in: Applied solar energy 2023-10, Vol.59 (5), p.621-646
• Main Authors: Pattelath, Manu S., Giripunje, Sushama M., Verma, Alok Kumar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antireflection coatings; Electrical Machines and Networks; Engineering; Graphene; Market value; Open circuit voltage; Photovoltaic cells; Photovoltaics; Power Electronics; Reflectors; Solar cells; Solar energy; Solar Engineering Materials Science; Solar panels; Substrates; Texturing
• ISSN: 0003-701X; 1934-9424
• DOI: 10.3103/S0003701X23600911

Throughout this article, we explore several generations of photovoltaic cells (PV cells) including the most recent research advancements, including an introduction to the bifacial photovoltaic cell along with some of the aspects affecting its efficiency. This article focuses on the advancements and successes in terms of the efficiencies attained in many generations of photovoltaic cell and discusses the challenges of each generation. Monocrystalline silicon dominates the solar cell market, and other technologies are still being developed in order to commercialize them. As an illustration, recent solar cell technology, known as the fourth generation and containing graphene, has been discussed. To determine if the damaged solar panel pieces would function or not, a test was conducted, it showed that even after being cut into small pieces, the open circuit voltage had not changed. The bifacial photovoltaic technology has been briefly reviewed in the review, including the substrates used, cell texturing, antireflection coating, cell reflectors, etc. Bifacial photovoltaic (PV) performance will continue to profit from studies on higher conversion efficiencies linked to monofacial PV cells. It is important to do studies within the area of bifacial PV modules in order to boost their performance, efficiency, and market value globally.