Energy classification method for solar materials: Si, GaAs, CdTe

The main materials studied for photovoltaics remain Si, GaAs and CdTe. These materials differ in quality and in cost and it is difficult to determine the optimal material for photovoltaic conversion. We developed a classification for several solar materials according to their performances with the aim to examine the degree of importance of each physical parameter on the material used. The method uses principal component analysis. It permits better visualisation of the different photovoltaic data, in the form of a numerical table and their presentation in graphical form. In the study, we establish a classification of solar materials according to their optimal performances. The main results obtained by this method permit adjustment of energy classification of photovoltaic materials studied and the consequent determination of optimal materials for photovoltaic conversion.