Silicon solar cells as a gamma ray dosimeter

•Monocrystalline silicon solar cell is preferable to measure gamma dose as well as TLD-100.•TL main dosimetric peak increases by increasing the γ dose.•Expanded uncertainty should be added to the value of measurements to obtain accurate doses.•TL response to gamma radiation makes the monocrystalline silicon solar cell suitable for gamma dosimetry. Monocrystalline silicon solar cell of the construction n+pp++ Passivated Emitter Solar Cell (PESC) irradiated by 60Co gamma ray dose was studied. Thermoluminescence detectors (TLD) main dosimetry peak was investigated. The results showed that it is possible to determine gamma dose more accurate from TL main dosimetry peak for monocrystalline silicon solar cell in comparison with TLD (100). Also the various sources of uncertainty were analyzed. The expanded uncertainty at 95% confidence level should be added to the value of measurements to obtain accurate dose.