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The Flow of Generated Current in Solar Cells

When sunlight hits a solar cell, it generates current that flows within the cell. Understanding how this current moves is crucial for optimizing the efficiency of the solar cell.

Direction of Current Flow

The generated current typically flows perpendicular to the cell surface from the bulk of the cell and then laterally through the top doped layer until it is collected at a top surface contact.

Bulk Resistance

In the context of solar cells, the resistance to the current of the bulk component of the cell is known as the “bulk resistance,” denoted as R_b. It is calculated using the formula:

R_b = ρl / A = ρ_bW / A

Where ρ is the resistivity of the material, l is the thickness of the material, ρ_b is the resistivity of the bulk material, and W is the width of the material.

Understanding and minimizing bulk resistance is essential for improving the overall performance of solar cells.

Source: Clint Felker

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