On the thermodynamic efficiency of solar energy converters: Solar cells

摘要

Assuming that both source and energy converters are blackbodies and applying thermodynamic balance equations, the net efficiency of a solar cell is derived as a product of two different efficiencies associated, respectively, with the energy absorption and energy conversion into useful work. At room temperature the maximum net efficiency thus obtained is 38. Efficiencies are calculated at various solar cell temperatures, and results are discussed in view of existing theories.