Overview

An accessible and pedagogical introduction to photovoltaics, Harvesting Sunshine presents the solar cell as a multifaceted device that can be viewed as an electronic energy converter, an absorber and emitter of light, and a thermodynamic heat engine, while also outlining its links with the most ancient of solar energy converters: photosynthesis. Beginning with a simple introduction to photovoltaics, suitable as a stand-alone basic primer, the text goes on to explain the solar cell operation in more detail, outlining the electrical characteristics linked to the balance and reciprocity between electrical currents across a semiconductor junction. At a more fundamental level, the book then looks at the Shockley-Queisser limit and its physical foundations, underpinned by Kirchhoff's and Planck's radiation laws linked by photon recycling, moving the discussion into the realm of thermodynamics. A thermodynamic analysis of thermalization reveals an intimate link between the photovoltaic and thermoelectric energy conversion. A discussion of ultimate limits leads to the Landsberg efficiency, and provides a basis for exploring next-generation devices, such as multispectral converters and hot-carrier solar cells. With focus on basic concepts, Harvesting Sunshine explains how solar cells work using simple calculations, illustrated by exercises. The book requires no specific prerequisites other than those acquired in most undergraduate courses in physics, chemistry, or engineering, and will be of interest to all students with an interest in delving deeper into the foundations of photovoltaics.

Full Product Details

Author:   Tom Markvart (Emeritus Professor of Energy Conversion, Emeritus Professor of Energy Conversion, University of Southampton)
Publisher:   Oxford University Press
Imprint:   Oxford University Press
Dimensions:   Width: 19.30cm , Height: 1.50cm , Length: 25.20cm
Weight:   0.614kg
ISBN:  

9780198909224

ISBN 10:   0198909225
Pages:   208
Publication Date:   16 April 2026
Audience:   College/higher education ,  Tertiary & Higher Education
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   To order  
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Table of Contents

Part I - Introduction 1: Photovoltaic energy conversion: a first look Part II - Solar cell as an electronic power converter 2: Carriers, bands and junctions 3: Solar cell as a current generator 4: Semiconductor solar cells Part III - Solar cell as an absorber and emitter of light 5: Photons, in a different light 6: The radiative balance 7: The Shockley-Queisser limit Part IV - Solar cell as a heat engine 8: Heat, light and work 9: Thermodynamics of photovoltaic conversion Part V - Solar energy conversion in photosynthesis 10: Photon capture: light harvesting 11: Energy storage: redox reactions and proton pump Part VI - Epilogue: A challenge for the future 12: Converting the full solar spectrum Appendix A - Blackbody vs. AM1.5 spectrum Appendix B - The transport equations Appendix C - Reciprocity of generation and recombination Appendix D - Working with Gaussians Appendix E - Black body thermodynamics Appendix F - Photon thermodynamics, in more detail Appendix G - Useful integrals Appendix H - Hints on selected exercises

Reviews

An up-to-date and novel look at solar photovoltaics, providing a convenient way into the subject. * Michael J. Kelly, University of Cambridge *

Author Information

Tom Markvart is affiliated with the Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics at the Czech Technical University in Prague and is Emeritus Professor of Energy Conversion at the University of Southampton. His career spans over forty years of research and education in photovoltaics and includes work on radiation resistant solar cells, standalone and grid-connected systems, and fundamental concepts in photovoltaic conversion. Tom's current research focuses on future generation of solar cells and the thermodynamics of light.

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