Comparative Review of Silicon-Based and Non-Silicon Solar Cells
Keywords:
Silicon solar cells, non-silicon photovoltaics, perovskite solar cells, thin-film photovoltaics, organic photovoltaics, dye-sensitised solar cells, tandem photovoltaics, photovoltaic efficiency, renewable energyAbstract
Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology has emerged as one of the most critical renewable energy solutions in combating climate change and ensuring long-term energy security. Over the past six decades, silicon-based solar cells have dominated the PV market due to their high efficiency, long-term stability, and well-established manufacturing processes. However, their relatively high manufacturing energy requirements, rigidity, and cost have prompted research into alternative non-silicon technologies such as cadmium telluride (CdTe), copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS), perovskites, organic photovoltaics (OPVs), dye-sensitised solar cells (DSSCs), and quantum dot solar cells (QDSCs). This chapter presents a comprehensive comparative review of these technologies, analysing their material properties, fabrication techniques, performance records, cost structures, environmental implications, and market prospects. The review also discusses the emergence of hybrid and tandem architectures that combine the advantages of different materials to achieve record efficiencies exceeding 33%. The chapter concludes with future research directions and strategies for large-scale sustainable deployment of both silicon-based and non-silicon PV technologies.
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