Theoretical Increase in Power Output of Si-Based Photo-Voltaic Cell by Series Connected Metallic Photocathodes

Abstract

Modern photoelectric devices specially doped Silicon-based photovoltaic modules present a major roadblock in generating power as they deliver only a part of the incident solar energy, which is about fifteen to twenty percent of polycrystalline cells. This results in having a large space requirement for solar power generation for a considerable megawatt output. Present technologies that offer high efficiencies are mostly based on very costly materials like Gallium-Arsenide (GaAs). The silicon processing technique of manufacturing monocrystalline cells also makes it costly for large-scale power generation requirements. This paper tries to propose a novel alternative solution to the problem by incorporating cheaply available alkali metal like Sodium as metallic photocathodes connected to the n-doped side of the photovoltaic cell that is exposed sunlight instead of solely using silver contacts to improve the efficiency of the typical polycrystalline photovoltaic cell. Sodium can also be laid out as a metal track around the cell, depending on the production cost and spatial requirements.