Solar Cell Efficiency
Solar cell efficiency is the ability of a solar cell to convert sunlight into usable electrical energy. It is typically expressed as a percentage and represents the ratio of the electrical power output of the solar cell to the total power of sunlight hitting the cell. Solar cell efficiency depends on various factors, including the materials used in the cell, the design of the cell, and the environmental conditions. High efficiency solar cells are desirable because they can generate more electricity for a given amount of sunlight, making solar power more cost effective and practical.
Solar Cell Efficiency formula |
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\( \eta_s \;=\; ( P_{out} \;/\; P_{in} ) \;100 \) (Solar Cell Efficiency) \( P_{out} \;=\; \eta_s \; P_{in} \;/\; 100 \) \( P_{in} \;=\; P_{out} \; 100 \;/\; \eta_s \) |
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| Symbol | English | Metric |
| \( \eta_s \) (Greek symbol eta) = solar cell efficiency | \(dimensionless\) | |
| \( P_{out} \) = output power | \(W\) | \(kg-m^2 \;/\; s^3\) |
| \( P_{in} \) = input power | \(W\) | \(kg-m^2 \;/\; s^3\) |
Solar Cell Efficiency formula |
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\( \eta_s \;=\; ( P_{max} \;/\; E \; A_c ) \;100 \) (Solar Cell Efficiency) \( P_{max} \;=\; ( \eta_s \;/\; 100 ) \; E \; A_c \) \( E \;=\; P_{max} \;/\; ( \eta_s \;/\; 100 ) \; A_c \) \( A_c \;=\; P_{max} \;/\; E \; ( \eta_s \;/\; 100 ) \) |
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| Symbol | English | Metric |
| \( \eta_s \) (Greek symbol eta) = solar cell efficiency | \(dimensionless\) | |
| \( P_{max} \) = maximum output power | \(W\) | \(kg-m^2\;/\;s^3\) |
| \( E \) = incident radiation flux | \(W\;/\;ft^2\) | \(W\;/\;m^2\) |
| \( A_c \) = area of collector | \(in^2\) | \(mm^2\) |
Tags: Efficiency Solar