What are the figures of merit for a solar cell?

The figures of merit for a solar cell play a crucial role in characterizing its performance. The open circuit voltage and short circuit current are fundamental parameters that indicate how well a solar cell can convert solar energy into electrical energy.

The open circuit voltage represents the maximum voltage available from a solar cell when it is not connected to an external load, providing insight into the built-in potential of the junction and its ability to separate charge carriers generated by light absorption. On the other hand, the short circuit current refers to the maximum current produced by the solar cell when it is connected to a load with zero resistance, indicating the cell's ability to generate current under illumination.

While the other combinations of figures of merit mentioned may have relevance, they do not capture the essence of the immediate electrical characteristics as effectively as the open circuit voltage and short circuit current. The maximum power and fill factor, for example, depend on the open circuit voltage and short circuit current for their calculations, while conversion efficiency relates to how effectively the solar cell converts incident light into electrical energy, which is influenced by these fundamental parameters.

Therefore, recognizing the open circuit voltage and short circuit current as primary figures of merit affords a clearer understanding of the solar cell's ability to generate power.