Degradation of the output electrical Characteristics of Si solar cells as a result of ionizing radiation under low light conditions

This paper presents results of our investigation of radiation resistance of different types of commercially available single and poly crystalline silicon solar cells. Sample cells were subjected to gamma radiation from gamma radiation source (Co60). Characteristic parameters of solar cells were extracted from obtained I-V curves: open circuit voltage, short circuit current, maximum power point voltage and current, efficiency, fill factor and series resistance. Obtained results could lead to novel designs of silicon solar cells with purpose of increasing their possible applications in radiation environments.