Re: Solar Cells and Temp

Hello Chas:

This is in response to your question re solar cells. As you raise the 
temperature of your device the voltage output falls because the electrons 
are being heated and the Fermi energy level is changing.  The heated 
electrons produce more current because being heated more of them can rise 
above the threshold level and conduct,  much in the way that the solar 
radiation also makes the current rise by giving energy to the electrons.

You do not mention the temperature ranges which you have covered and 
without seeing your graph it is diffucult to understand what you are 
describing.  Light intensity by itself will not change the Fermi energy 
level but heat will.

For a more complete discussion of your question I would have to see your 
graph, and also I would need more time to research into solar-cell 
behaviour.

Best regards,

Richard Bersin....