Comprehensive Classification of Solar Photovoltaic Cells

Solar photovoltaic cells can be classified according to various standards:

Material Classification:

Silicon Solar Cells: Made primarily from p-type and n-type silicon, these are the most widely used solar cells.

Copper Indium Selenide (CIS) Solar Cells: Utilize copper indium selenide, known for higher efficiency and longer lifespan.

Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS) Solar Cells: Made from copper indium gallium selenide, offering higher efficiency than CIS but at a higher production cost.

Manufacturing Process Classification:

Monocrystalline Silicon Solar Cells: Higher efficiency but higher manufacturing costs.

Polycrystalline Silicon Solar Cells: Lower efficiency but lower manufacturing costs.

Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells: Use semiconductor materials sensitized with dye, offering low manufacturing costs but lower efficiency.

Cell Structure Classification:

Positive/Negative Charge Separation Thin Film Solar Cells: Utilize positive/negative charge separation film technology, known for higher efficiency and longer lifespan.

Organic Solar Cells: Made from organic semiconductor materials, with low manufacturing costs and simple production processes, but lower efficiency.

Size and Monocrystalline/Polycrystalline Classification (Common in China):

Monocrystalline 125125, Monocrystalline 156156, Polycrystalline 156156, Monocrystalline 150150, Monocrystalline 103103, Polycrystalline 125125, etc.

Silicon Crystallization State Classification:

Monocrystalline Silicon Solar Cells: Highest photoelectric conversion efficiency, up to around 15% to 24%, but higher production costs.

Polycrystalline Silicon Solar Cells: Photoelectric conversion efficiency around 12%, with relatively lower production costs.

Amorphous Silicon Solar Cells: Introduced in 1976, these thin-film solar cells have lower photoelectric conversion efficiency and stability, but can generate electricity under weak light conditions.