Solar energy and solar cells

Key Words: Renewable energy,solar energy, photovoltaic transformation, solar cell In this work photovoltaic effect together with principles of solar cells are investigated, statistical data about the solar energy as a renewable energy form is treated, and experimentation with solar cells are performed. The first chapter provides a general treatment of the solar energy and the effects of sunlight to the earth. The second chapter includes historical development and operation principles of solar cells together with photovoltaic effect. The third chapter is about the variations of solar cells. The fourth chapter covers the efficiency of solar cells and their utility areas. The fifth chapter expesses the external factors influencing the operation of solar cells. One of these factors, namely photo angular effect is experimented and the data obtained are provided as graphics. In the six chapter some important statistical data are obtained and provided about the solar cells. An overall evaluation is made in the last chapter regarding the utility of renewable energy and the measures to be taken.