Amorphous silicon

[Kavan]

Hello Forum,

are amorphous silicon solar cells more broadband than cristalline silicon ones, i.e. they can absorb photons at many more frequencies?

Silicon cells are most efficient with infrared photons, correct?

I know they are less efficient though...

also, amorphous silicon can be deposited in very thin layers....

thanks,
Kavan

[MJLorton]

Hi Kavan,

Yes, I believe you are correct, I did a video a few years ago showing that an amorphous solar panel seemed to work better under artificial light than mono and poly. This is why I think they are used to solar power calculators and watches.

 Crystalline vs Amorphous PV under artificial light - fluorescent & incandescent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzPPnuYsOZ4
 Crystalline vs Amorphous PV under artificial light - CFL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeWUyO6Mb_8

Cheers,
Martin.