A Photovoltaic Technology Review: History, Fundamentals and Applications

Ricardo A. Marques Lameirinhas, João Paulo N. Torres and João P. de Melo Cunha
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Ricardo A. Marques Lameirinhas: Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
João Paulo N. Torres: Instituto de Telecomunicações, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
João P. de Melo Cunha: Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal

Energies, 2022, vol. 15, issue 5, 1-44

Abstract: Photovoltaic technology has become a huge industry, based on the enormous applications for solar cells. In the 19th century, when photoelectric experiences started to be conducted, it would be unexpected that these optoelectronic devices would act as an essential energy source, fighting the ecological footprint brought by non-renewable sources, since the industrial revolution. Renewable energy, where photovoltaic technology has an important role, is present in 3 out of 17 United Nations 2030 goals. However, this path cannot be taken without industry and research innovation. This article aims to review and summarise all the meaningful milestones from photovoltaics history. Additionally, an extended review of the advantages and disadvantages among different technologies is done. Photovoltaics fundamentals are also presented from the photoelectric effect on a p-n junction to the electrical performance characterisation and modelling. Cells’ performance under unusual conditions are summarised, such as due to temperature variation or shading. Finally, some applications are presented and some project feasibility indicators are analysed. Thus, the review presented in this article aims to clarify to readers noteworthy milestones in photovoltaics history, summarise its fundamentals and remarkable applications to catch the attention of new researchers for this interesting field.

Keywords: 1M3P; 1M5P; optics; optoelectronic devices; photoelectric effect; photovoltaic applications; photovoltaic generations; photovoltaic technology; semiconductors; solar energy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (9)

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