Solar Cells and Their Applications

“In this updated edition, feed-in tariffs are identified as the most effective approach for public policy. Reasons are provided to explain why pin solar cells outperform more traditional pn solar cells. Field test data are reported for nineteen percent pin solar cells and for -500X concentrating systems with bare cell efficiencies approaching forty percent.” (Global Print Monitor, 26 November 2010)

Lewis M. Fraas, PhD, is the founder and President of JX Crystals Inc. He has spearheaded the development of high-power-density photovoltaic cells and complete concentrating photovoltaic and thermophotovoltaic systems. Dr. Fraas wrote the first paper describing the forty percent-efficient triple-junction concentrator solar cell now entering high-volume production, and his group at Boeing demonstrated the first thirty-five percent-efficient dual-junction cell.

Larry D. Partain, PhD, is Director of Marketing and Advanced Technology, initiating and managing high-risk/high-payoff R&D programs for Varian Medical Systems. A prominent researcher in solar cell and related X-ray imager technology, Dr. Partain recently led efforts to develop high-performance X-ray and flat-panel imaging medical systems, helping to create over $100 million in company sales.