This Product Selection Guide contains information to help select products in the Solar Cells category on DigiKey.com
Solar Cells are designed to convert solar (light) energy into electrical energy. The types of cells are amorphous, monocrystalline, and photovoltaic with a power max ranging from 7.95µW to 50W. The size / dimension of the cells range from 0.193” L x 0.154” w x 0.061” H (4.90mm x 390mm x 1.55mm) to 29.300” L x 27.800” W x 1.417” H (744.00mm x 706.00mm x 36.00mm).
SelectionCharacteristics
Specifications to determine which solar cell is right for your application.
Power (Watts) – Max: The maximum output power a device can produce when exposed to a standard test illuminant.
Current @ Pmpp: Output current at the Maximum Power Point under manufacturer’s stated test conditions.
Voltage @ Pmpp: Output voltage at maximum-power operating point, when exposed to a manufacturer-defined standard illuminant.
Current – Short Circuit (Isc): The typical amount of current flow a device can deliver into a zero-impedance (short-circuited) load, under manufacturer-specified illumination conditions.
Type: How the cell is constructed, such as monocrystalline, amorphous, etc.
Voltage - Open Circuit: Characterizes the voltage produced by a device at zero current flow when subject to a manufacturer-defined test illuminance.
Operating Temperature: Recommended operating temperature, typically given in a range or as a maximum. Exceeding these temperatures may affect performance or damage the device and other system components.
Package/Case: Indicates the type of protective case used on an electronic component to allow easy handling, installation, and protection. This selection was determined to be the closest industry standard applicable to the suppliers device packaging. Typically it is best to check the actual dimensions from the datasheet rather than depend on this terminology when designing your circuit.
Size/Dimension: The physical dimensions of the device. Typically length, width, and height or diameter and length.
ProductExamples
| MFR PART # | KXOB25-12X1F-TR |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | KXOB25-12X1F-TR-ND - Tape & Reel (TR) |
| MANUFACTURER | ANYSOLAR Ltd |
| DESCRIPTION | Monocrystalline Solar Cell 24.5 mW 690 mV |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | BCS4430B6 |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | 445-BCS4430B6-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | TDK Corporation |
| DESCRIPTION | Amorphous Solar Cell 4.2 V |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | 3604 |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | 1927-1051-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | Kitronik Ltd. |
| DESCRIPTION | Photovoltaic Solar Cell |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | SP-53X30-4-DK |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | 4355-SP-53X30-4-DK-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | AMX Solar |
| DESCRIPTION | POLYCR SOLAR CELL 5V .210W 4PK - |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | 2885456 |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | 277-9379-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | Phoenix Contact |
| DESCRIPTION | MONOCRYSTALLINE SOLAR CELL 50W |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
MediaLinks
Videos
Surge Protection Installation Guidelines for Solar
Solar Cell Bypass Diode
How to Solder PowerFilm OEM solar modules
Videos on Solar Technology
Articles
How to Build Your Own Solar Panel
Variables to Consider when Designing Solar Power
Articles on Solar Technology
Blogs
Blogs on Solar Technology
TechForum
TechForum posts on Solar Cells