Physics Of Solar Cells, The (Properties of Semiconductor Materials) Paperback – Illustrated, 14 May 2003

I'm doing an MPhys in Cadmium Telluride solar cells.Before this, I had the typical BSc education in condensed matter physics, which is to say I was completely clueless when trying to read literature on I-V characteristics, Schottky diodes & equivalent circuits of solar cells.Jenny Nelson takes a whistlestop tour through basic semiconductor physics, then gets deeper into solar cell work. It covers the basics of solar cell and junction operation from a fundamental level (treatment of carrier densities and transport mechanisms etc). It then goes on to look at monocrystalline & thin film technologies (including CdTe thankfully!), optical management and future improvements.The explanation is good (at least, I could understand it!) and mathematical derivations are handled sensibly. The PhD students in my group also recommend it.On its own it's not enough, but I've found that combined with Kittel (for basic solid state physics) and Neaman or Sze (for semiconductor devices) it's covered all my bases so far.Very happy with it :)

It is definitely a book for ones who are interested in understanding solar cells. Jenny Nelson explains the physics in a way that the solar cells operations (pn junctions, etc) can be understood easily and clearly. Besides, the book also covers explanation and discussion for monocrystaline and thin film solar cells. I am very happy with this book and would recommend it!

This book is like a bible for renewable energy junkies. A relevant, interesting, comfortable and informative read for a physics undergrad. I found this one could relate to me in a way the Sze could not.

This book is great.

A very good introduction to solar cell technology. This book could give you the general concepts of the solar cells. Don't hesitat to use this book when you really want to do PV tech before. Recommend.

An excellent introduction to the physics behind the fastest growing renewable energy technology. Ideal for advanced undergraduate, Ph.D. and research level studies.