Semiconductors in a solar cell: It makes sense to have the n-type semiconductor on the top of a solar cell, but how does a solar cell with the p-type on top, work?

Question

anonymous · Answer

It is the same for either of them. It does make sense for the n-type to be on top if you are considering the majority carriers analysis, which is extremely hard to perform. However, it is less complicated if you are considering a minority carriers analysis, which will make sense for the p-type to be on top. From physics point of view, the top layer can be p- or n-type. 
Please not that W(n)n=W(p)p
W(n):	 n-type width
n: 	electrons concentration
W(p):	p-type width
P:	Holes concentration