amorphous silicon solar cell

An amorphous silicon solar cell is a type of thin-film solar cell that converts light energy into electrical energy through the photovoltaic effect. Unlike traditional solar cells made from crystalline silicon, amorphous silicon cells use noncrystalline silicon.12

Key characteristics:
* Material: Made from noncrystalline silicon, often hydrogenated amorphous silicon, which is abundant, nontoxic, and relatively inexpensive to manufacture.12
* Efficiency: Generally has a lower average efficiency, typically less than 10 percent, compared to crystalline silicon cells.2
* Applications: Historically used in calculators and watches, their flexibility allows for integration into curved surfaces, building-integrated photovoltaics, and even clothing for charging devices.2
* Advantages: Cheaper to produce and can be vapor-deposited as large-area thin films. Hydrogen is added to eliminate electronic defects, improving performance.12