Photovoltaic principles

The underlying principles of photovoltaic energy conversion are briefly reviewed, with particular reference to solar application. Although most photovoltaic converters to date have been based on semiconductor p-n junctions, more general structures and materials are feasible. The fundamental requirements for photovoltaic conversion are discussed, as is a generic approach for analysing the limiting efficiency different conversion options. (C) 2002 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.