A model for semiconductor photovoltaic (PV) solar cells: the physics of the energy conversion, from the solar spectrum to dc electric power

It is well understood that the photovoltaic (PV) energy is a very clean and environmentally friendly renewable energy source. Through the use of the concepts of physics a detailed explanation on the whole mechanics on how electric current can be obtained from the incidence of the solar spectrum in a semiconductor. This work is based in the fact that many bibliographic references make use of the well known V x I equation for a solar cell or solar panel without explaining adequately the basis of physics processes of current generation in a semiconductor solar cell. This work shows the results of a proposed mathematical model applied to computers showing the basic considerations on how electric power can be pull out of a cell by the incidence of sun light.