Solar cells are based on semiconductor materials. Part two will therefore focus on semiconductor physics.

We will answer questions regarding the atomic structure of a semiconductor material and the existence of mobile charge carriers, electrons and holes, in it. Furthermore we will see how their concentration can be manipulated by doping.

It is important to know the concentration of electrons and holes in a solar cell, because they are the carriers of electricity. You learn how to calculate these concentrations. You will then learn how these charge carriers move around in a solar cell and how extra charge carriers are generated or annihilated in a semiconductor. It is necessary to know these processes in the solar cell in order to properly understand how a solar cell produces electricity. Based on the physics of semiconductors you will learn about the fundamental performance limits of solar cells.

This will be the most challenging part of the course if you do not have a good background in electrical engineering or physics. However, if you stick through this section you will develop a deep understanding on the fundamentals of photovoltaics.