2. Why Use Solar Cells?
Low maintenance, long lasting sources
of energy
Provides cost-effective power supplies
for people remote from the main
electricity grid
Non-polluting and silent sources of
electricity
Convenient and flexible source of small
amounts of power
Renewable and sustainable power, as a
3. The Solar Cell
The most common type of solar cells are Photovoltaic
Cells (PV cells)
Converts sunlight directly into electricity
Cells are made of a semiconductor material (eg. silicon)
Light strikes the PV cell, and a certain portion is
absorbed
The light energy (in the form of photons) knocks
electrons loose, allowing them to flow freely, forming a
current
Metal contacts on the top and bottom of PV cell draws
off the current to use externally as power
5. Disadvantages of conventional
solar cell
In conventional solar cell it is observed that
only 35% of the suns total energy is being
used
The conventional solar cells are not so
favorable on cloudy days
In order to overcome these disadvantages
we use INFRARED PLASTIC SOLAR
CELL
6. Infrared plastic solar cell
plastic solar cell can turn the suns power
into electric energy even on a cloudy day.
The plastic material uses nanotechnology
and contains the 1stgeneration solar cells
that can harness the sun’s invisible infrared
rays.
nano particles called quantum dots are
combined with a polymer to make the
plastic that can detect energy in the
infrared.
7. Construction of plastic solar
cell
The solar cell created is actually a hybrid,
comprised of tiny nanorods dispersed in an
organic polymer or plastic
Nanorods are made of cadmium selenide
This layer of around 200 nanometers
thickness is sandwiched between electrodes
The electrodes are coated with aluminium
9. Working of plastic solar cell
Nanorods in the plastic solar cell acts like
wires when they absorb light of specific
wavelength they generate an electron and
electron hole vacancy in the rod that moves
around just like an electron
This electron travels the length of rod until
it is collected by aluminium electrode
The hole is transferred to the plastic which
is known as a hole carrier and conveyed to
the electrode creating current
10. advantages
They are considered to be 30% more
efficient when compared to conventional
solar cells.
Traditional solar cells are bulky panels.
This is very compact.
Flexible, roller processed solar cells have
the potential to turn the sun’s power into a
clean, green, consistent source of energy.
11. disadvantages
It is not cost effective
Shorter life span when continuously exposed to sun
light
Requires higher maintenance and constant
monitoring
12. Applications
Development of a super thin disposable solar panel
poster
A hydrogen powered car painted with the film
could potentially convert energy into electricity to
continually recharge the car’s battery.
Any chip coated in the material could power cell
phone or other wireless devices.
