An introduction to the physics of the photovoltaic cell. It covers the fundamental principles of semiconductor physics and simple models used to describe solar cell operation. It presents theoretical approaches to efficient solar cell design and examines the main practical types of solar cell.

Photons In, Electrons Out: Basic Principles of PV; Electrons and Holes in Semiconductors; Generation and Recombination; Junctions; Analysis of the p-n Junction; Monocrystalline Solar Cells; Thin Film Solar Cells; Managing Light; Over the Limit: Strategies for Higher Efficiency.

"This book is clear and concise, gives adequate references and exercises, it summarizes the symbols and displays clear, legible, and informative illustrations. Nelson's obvious experience in lecturing on solar cells has made this book a most useful and recommendable reading." Hans J Queisser Max-Planck-Institute of Solid-State Research Stuttgart, Germany "Photovoltaics will play an increasingly important role in a future low-carbon energy economy. Jenny Nelson has provided a splendidly clear, concise and readable account of the basic semiconductor physics of the solar cell, complete with student exercises and solutions. In the two fascinating final chapters, she takes her readers 'beyond the limit' of performance of the present-day crystalline silicon cell, describing advanced design concepts that could provide greatly improved efficiency. Warmly recommended to all who want to know how this beautiful technology really works." Mary Archer Cambridge University "This handy little book offers a pretty comprehensive introduction to the basic physics of the PV cell." Photovoltaic Bulletin "This book is more encyclopedic, with clear figures and broad scope. It does a good job of clarifying the fundamental issues and is a less advanced text. It is, therefore, probably more approachable and more useful to the general reader." Physics Today