66
A. Shah
3.6 Spectral Response and Quantum Efficiency in Solar
Cells
3.6.1 Definitions
We need “tools” to evaluate how a given solar cell or a given solar module will
respond to light that reaches it—light which will have different spectral components—depending upon the location, the time of the day, the weather, etc. All this
has been explained in Chap. 2.
These “tools” bear the names “Spectral Response” and “Quantum Efficiency”.
What exactly is “Spectral Response
15 ”? This is illustrated schematically in
Fig. 3.23.
Spectral Response
15 is defined as the ratio of the electric current coming out of the
cell or module
16 over the power of the incoming light. This is plotted as a function
of the wavelength of the incoming light.
What exactly is “Quantum Efficiency”? This is illustrated schematically in
Fig. 3.24.
Fig. 3.23 Schematic representation illustrating how spectral response is defined. Courtesy of Peter
Fiala, PV-Lab, IMT Neuchâtel, EPFL
15 Officially called (according to the latest standards) “Spectral Responsivity”.
16 At short circuit conditions (and at STC, of course).
A. Shah
3.6 Spectral Response and Quantum Efficiency in Solar
Cells
3.6.1 Definitions
We need “tools” to evaluate how a given solar cell or a given solar module will
respond to light that reaches it—light which will have different spectral components—depending upon the location, the time of the day, the weather, etc. All this
has been explained in Chap. 2.
These “tools” bear the names “Spectral Response” and “Quantum Efficiency”.
What exactly is “Spectral Response
15 ”? This is illustrated schematically in
Fig. 3.23.
Spectral Response
15 is defined as the ratio of the electric current coming out of the
cell or module
16 over the power of the incoming light. This is plotted as a function
of the wavelength of the incoming light.
What exactly is “Quantum Efficiency”? This is illustrated schematically in
Fig. 3.24.
Fig. 3.23 Schematic representation illustrating how spectral response is defined. Courtesy of Peter
Fiala, PV-Lab, IMT Neuchâtel, EPFL
15 Officially called (according to the latest standards) “Spectral Responsivity”.
16 At short circuit conditions (and at STC, of course).