ABSTRACT
The action of photovoltaic (PV) elements, which are the basis of converters of solar energy into electricity, is based on the phenomenon of the internal photoelectric effect in semiconductors. The photoelectric converters of solar energy used most commonly silicon, with the addition of other elements, forming a structure with the p-n junction. The thickness of the semiconductor does not exceed 0.2-0.3 mm. Photovoltaic cells are produced using also other semiconductor materials, and the elements can consist of a single p-n junction, as well as many junctions, including metalsemiconductor contacts (Schottky barriers). A good overview of the design of solar photovoltaic energy elements and materials for their production can be found, for example, in the article (Meytin, 2000).
