Solar performance characteristics

The performance characteristics of a variety of different types of a-Si H solar cells are listed in Table III. The last structure listed is actually a hybrid configuration where the a-Si H cell is stacked on top of a crystalline silicon cell (Hamakawa et al., 1983). 

Zhao, Y., Wang, W., Yun, F., Xu, Liao, X., Ma, Z., Yue, G. and Kong, G. (2000) Experimental Insight into the Performance Characteristics of Ni-mesh Semiconductor Photo-Electrochemical Cells, Solar Ener Materials. Solar Cells, Vol. 62, pp.43-49. 

In a PEC cell one of the semiconductor-to-metal interfaces in replaced by the semiconductor/electrolyte interface. As a consequence, the price of the device is likely to be reduced since the electrolytic system is much less sensitive to the crystalline perfection and purity of a semiconductor than the solid-state system. Hence, inexpensive and readily available materials can be made use of (It is high price, not poor performance characteristics that narrows down the applicability of e g., silicon solar cells at present.) Moreover, passing of... 

Numerical calculations of the performance characteristics have been done for a plant with the numbers of consecutively connected solar cells (Ng) and electrolyzers (Ng) chosen empirically. In particular the influence of insolation and the cell temperature was investigated in detail. 

In order to produce solar collectors, which will display high efficiency for many years, it is extremely important to utilize those polymeric materials which are thermally and oxidatively stable, and do not produce materials which have an adverse effect on the performance characteristics of the solar collector. 

Open-air exposure involves direct exposure to all atmospheric conditions and contaminants. Sheltered exposure is exposure with protection from atmospheric precipitation and solar radiation either under a cover or in a partly closed space such as shutter sheds. The total period and the season of exposure depend on the type of test specimen and the purpose of the test. The evaluation is carried out by visual examination, metallographic examination and estimation of mass loss, change in mechanical properties or performance characteristics of the test specimens [84]. 

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