Current Status and Future Prospect of Terrestrial Solar Cell Applications

Conversion of light energy to electrical energy by using a solar cell has long been considered as one of the option for an electrical energy supply in the future. In the past, commercial use was restricted largely to remote area applications where conventional electricity is expensive. Recently, the major application of the solar cells changed to become generation of residential electricity in urban areas where the electricity is already supplied by the conventional grid. This paper covers the current market and technology status of the solar cells and future prospect of their terrestrial applications. Reviewing market trend, this paper discusses high efficiency approach in silicon solar cells, low cost approach in silicon solar cells and finally covers future prospects of silicon solar cells.