 |
| Types of PV Cells |
|
PV Cell Features
|
| Material |
Conversion
Efficiency |
Reliability |
Characteristics |
Main Applications |
| Single-Crystal Silicon |
 |
|
Proven Usage Record |
Space
Terrestrial |
| Polycrystal Silicon |
 |
|
Suitable for High-Volume Production |
Terrestrial |
| Amorphous |
 |
|
Operates Comparatively Well Under
Fluorescent Light |
Consumer Use
Terrestrial |
Single-Crystal Compound
(GaAs Type) |
|
|
Heavy, Cracks Easily |
Space |
Polycrystal Compound
(CdS, CdTe, CulnGaSe2, etc.) |
|
|
Uses Few Resources, But Some Types
Contain Pollutants |
Consumer Use
Terrestrial |
|
|
