This book provides a comprehensive introduction to the physics of the photovoltaic cell. It is suitable for undergraduates, graduate students, and researchers new to the field. It covers: basic physics of semiconductors in photovoltaic devices; physical models of solar cell operation; characteristics and design of common types of solar cell; and approaches to increasing solar cell efficiency. The text explains the terms and concepts of solar cell device physics and shows the reader how to formulate and solve relevant physical problems. Exercises and worked solutions are included.

Contents:
Photons In, Electrons Out: Basic Principles of PV
Electrons and Holes in Semiconductors
Generation and Recombination
Junctions
Analysis of the p-n Junction
Monocrystalline Solar Cells
Thin Film Solar Cells
Managing Light
Over the Limit: Strategies for Higher Efficiency 

Readership: Advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and researchers in semiconductor device physics, specifically photovoltaics.
 
“This book is clear and concise, gives adequate references and exercises, it summarizes the symbols and displays clear, legible, and informative illustrations. Nelson's obvious experience in lecturing on solar cells has made this book a most useful and recommendable reading.”
Hans J Queisser, Max-Planck-Institute of Solid-State Research, Stuttgart, Germany
 
“Photovoltaics will play an increasingly important role in a future low-carbon energy economy. Jenny Nelson has provided a splendidly clear, concise and readable account of the basic semiconductor physics of the solar cell, complete with student exercises and solutions. In the two fascinating final chapters, she takes her readers ‘beyond the limit’ of performance of the present-day crystalline silicon cell, describing advanced design concepts that could provide greatly improved efficiency. Warmly recommended to all who want to know how this beautiful technology really works.”
Mary Archer, Cambridge University
 
“This handy little book offers a pretty comprehensive introduction to the basic physics of the PV cell.”
Photovoltaic Bulletin
 
“This book is more encyclopedic, with clear figures and broad scope. It does a good job of clarifying the fundamental issues and is a less advanced text. It is, therefore, probably more approachable and more useful to the general reader.”
Physics Today