Question 1

What are tandem solar cells?

Accepted Answer

Tandem solar cells are photovoltaic cells that combine multiple layers of different semiconductor materials to capture a broader spectrum of sunlight, thereby increasing their efficiency compared to traditional single-junction solar cells.

Question 2

How do different materials improve the efficiency of solar cells?

Accepted Answer

By combining different materials, such as perovskite and silicon, solar cells can harness various wavelengths of light more effectively, leading to improved absorption and higher overall energy conversion efficiencies.

Question 3

What are some examples of eco-friendly materials used in solar cell production?

Accepted Answer

Innovations in eco-friendly materials for solar cells include the use of organic photovoltaics, recycled silicon, and abundant materials like copper, indium, gallium, and selenide (CIGS), which aim to reduce the environmental impact of solar panel manufacturing.

Question 4

How is the solar industry addressing recycling and waste management?

Accepted Answer

The solar industry is increasingly focused on developing recycling processes for end-of-life solar panels, including recovering valuable materials like silicon, silver, and other metals, which can be reused in new solar cell production, thus promoting sustainability.

Question 5

What role does energy storage integration play in photovoltaic systems?

Accepted Answer

Energy storage integration enhances the capabilities of photovoltaic systems by allowing excess energy generated during peak sunlight hours to be stored in advanced battery technologies, ensuring a reliable power supply even when sunlight is not available.