The photovoltaic effect and its utilization

Abstract The growth of the photovoltaic effect from an interesting scientific phenomenon into one of the most efficient methods yet devised for converting solar energy directly into electrical energy is described. Attention is given to considerations of the optimum semiconductor material for solar energy conversion and how it changes with operating temperature. Experimental results are presented showing operating characteristics and conversion efficiencies of such materials as silicon, gallium arsenide, indium phosphide, cadmium sulfide, and others. The high voltage (∼100-v) photovoltaic effect from evaporated CdTe films is described. Included is a discussion of the major problems yet to be solved.