Solar cell (source code)

= Solar cell
{wiki}

A <solar cell> converts incident <light> into electrical <power> through the <photovoltaic effect>. A <semiconductor> <p-n junction> separates and collects photogenerated <Electrons> and <electron holes>. An ideal illuminated junction has output <current density>
$$
J(V)=J_{\rm sc}-J_0\left(e^{eV/(k_BT)}-1\right),\qquad
V_{\rm oc}=\frac{k_BT}{e}\log\left(1+\frac{J_{\rm sc}}{J_0}\right).
$$
Here $J_{\rm sc}$ is the short-circuit <current density>, $J_0$ is the <diode saturation current>, and $V_{\rm oc}$ is the open-circuit <electric potential difference>. The conversion efficiency is the largest delivered $VJ$ divided by the incident <power> per unit area; the short-circuit and open-circuit operating points themselves deliver zero <power>.