The General Properties of Solar Cells Generations -Quantum Dot as Study Case

Abstract

Quantum dot solar cells are an important class of solar cells of the third generation because of their optoelectronic characteristics suitable for photovoltaic response because of quantum confinement effect. Quantum dot structured materials are characterized by having a tunable bandgap as a result of a size change in addition to create an intermediate band. Thus, the quantum dots more thoroughly absorb the sun spectrum, and as a result, the solar cell's effectiveness is increased. Quantum dot solar cells' importance lies in increasing the efficiency through an increase in the generation of electron-hole pairs as a result of a single photon being absorbed, in other words several exciton generations. In this review, the generations of solar cells, the existing types and the materials used in each generation will be discussed, as a result of a single additionally to the qualities of quantum dot solar cells and the materials of this type.