How to Increase Solar Cell Efficiency
- 1). Position the solar cell in such a way that it collects the most sunlight. Naturally, solar cells perform best in sunnier climates, and in the spring and summer when the sun is more intense and less shielded by clouds. Note that current is affected by reduced sun intensity, not voltage.
- 2). Locate the solar cell in a position in which it is well ventilated. Ensure wind is not blocked from the cell on either side -- including the underside if possible. This is because when the temperature increases, the voltage produced by the solar cell actually decreases. One efficient way to handle this problem is to employ a liquid cooling system. The liquid heats as it cools the cell, and this water can then be diverted for household use too.
- 3). Reduce the resistance between solar cells connected in series as much as possible. When two or more cells are connected, the electrical resistance between them has a direct effect on the voltage and current put out by the cell. Wiring "serial batches" in parallel can help to prevent this problem, as can using high quality wiring.
- 4). Ensure that the cell is not shaded at any point during the sun's journey across the sky. Watch where the sun will move through the day, and work out if any trees or buildings will block direct sunlight to the cell. This is even more important if you have several cells connected in series, because the output of the whole series will be at the current of the weakest cell in the series. That is, if you have eight cells, and only one is shaded, the other seven cells will put out a current equal to the shaded cell.
- 5). Stay updated on upcoming technologies related to solar power. Some of these are intended for application on existing solar cells, such as the double-walled carbon nanotubes, developed at Northwestern University, which fit on top of the cell. (See Reference 2)
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