A Resource for Teaching Semiconductors: The Solar Cell

An Introduction to Solar Cells

Phys. Teach. 48, 306 (2010)

http://link.aip.org/link/?PHTEAH/48/306/1

[Picture from: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1054612, johnnyberg, The essens of summer]

The study of Semiconductors and explanation of its behaviour by band theory was introduced into the H2 Physics Syllabus in Singapore for A-level Physics in 2006. Generally, for this topic we learn the mechanics of it, but so far there has been little exploration of its applications in real life.

The May 2010 issue of the Physics Teacher (see link below) carries an interesting article on how solar cells work. It explains the workings of it using band theory as it is a semiconductor. It should find great relevance in today with environmental issues becoming a pressing problem that the world faces.

The link is listed below. I would like to explore how to further apply this article to classroom teaching and integrate this into the A-level syllabus, either as a reading for an activity that can enthuse students or even as an examination question.
The abstract is quoted below:

Abstract : (©2010 American Association of Physics Teachers)

"Most likely, solar cells will play a significant role in this country's strategy to address the two interrelated issues of global warming and dependence on imported oil. The purpose of this paper is to present an explanation of how solar cells work at an introductory high school, college, or university physics course level. The treatment presented here will be qualitative and somewhat simplified, in order to reach the desired audience; references are provided for a more detailed and mathematically sophisticated treatment. It is hoped that this paper will, in a small way, motivate students to learn more about this technology, so critical to the energy and environmental future of this country. "