Physics of Solar Cells Lesson 1 - Why We Dope A Solar Cell

This is the first of seven (7) lessons all about how a solar photovoltaic (PV) cell actually works. I go into lots of scientific detail, but without equations and it won't be over your head. The lessons cover: why we dope a solar cell; an intro to the actual IV curve; the equivalent circuit of a cell; some of the band-gap physics going on inside; how the curve gets is peculiar shape; the effects of the environment on cell output; and finally how local shading distorts the curve shape. It's a pretty complete and in-depth explanation for a pretty important technology, and I'm sure you'll enjoy the ride.

This first lesson goes into why we dope silicon solar cells with boron and phosphorous and how that makes the internal electrostatic field that is the 'engine' of the solar cell.