SOLAR POWER

TECHNOLOGY
ASSIGNMENT – 01

SUBMITTED BY,
NAME – RAUSHAN SHARMA
ROLL NO - 10
BRANCH – ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

SUBMITTED TO,
PROF. ABHILASHA SINHA

Q. Write solar cell working principle and

construction.

Construction of Solar Cell

A solar cell is basically a junction diode, although its
construction it is little bit different from conventional p-n
junction diodes. A very thin layer of p-type semiconductor
is grown on a relatively thicker n-type semiconductor. We
then apply a few finer electrodes on the top of the p-type
semiconductor layer.
 These electrodes do not obstruct light to reach the thin p-
type layer. Just below the p-type layer there is a p-n
junction. We also provide a current collecting electrode at
the bottom of the n-type layer. We encapsulate the entire
assembly by thin glass to protect the solar cell from any
mechanical shock.

Working Principle of Solar Cell

When light reaches the p-n junction, the light photons can
easily enter in the junction, through very thin p-type layer.
The light energy, in the form of photons, supplies
sufficient energy to the junction to create a number of
electron-hole pairs. The incident light breaks the thermal
equilibrium condition of the junction. The free electrons
in the depletion region can quickly come to the n-type side
of the junction.
Similarly, the holes in the depletion can quickly come to
the p-type side of the junction. Once, the newly created
free electrons come to the n-type side, cannot further
cross the junction because of barrier potential of the
junction.

Similarly, the newly created holes once come to the p-

type side cannot further cross the junction became of
same barrier potential of the junction. As the
concentration of electrons becomes higher in one side,
i.e., n-type side of the junction and concentration of holes
becomes more in another side, i.e. the p-type side of the
junction, the p-n junction will behave like a small battery
 cell. A voltage is set up which is known as photo voltage.
If we connect a small load across the junction, there will
be a tiny current flowing through it.

Q. Write different types of Solar Cooker.

Types of Solar cooker

Solar cookers are divided mainly into two categories:

a. Box Type
Heat is reflected by a reflector into a box in this style of
the cooker, and then trapped by the top glass, creating a
greenhouse effect that heats the cooking utensils. It consists
of:

• Black Box
• Glass Cover
• Cooking Containers
• Plane Mirror Reflector

b. Parabolic Type
The heat converges at a spot where the cooking tools are
stored; it heats up and cooks the food in this type.
Other subcategories include:

✓ Cookers in boxes (often called box ovens)

✓ Cookers with a parabola
✓ Cookers in tubes

c. Panel Type Solar Cooker

The Panel Solar Cooker uses reflective panels to
focus sunlight onto a pot. These work best in tropical
climates or in the warmer months when wind and
heat loss are not an issue. An inexpensive, aluminized
cardboard panel cooker can heat food up to 250
degrees Fahrenheit. That is plenty since food starts
to cook at 180 degrees F
Q. What is the importance/function of Solar
Reflector?

Importance of Solar Reflector

Reflectors are used in the solar technology to
concentrate the sunlight onto the solar panels. They
employ glass as a base material with a silver coating and a
protective layer over it. They elevate the energy input of
solar panels as the whole solar spectrum is reflected on
them. Materials with more reflective properties are
needed to be used to increase the reflectivity and
efficiency of solar reflectors. In Pakistan, no significant
work is done till now towards the development of solar
reflectors. If solar reflectors are used with the solar
panels, then their efficiency as well as production from
the solar panels will be maximized.