Comparative analysis of high-efficiency multijunction solar cells with various silicon bottom cell structures

• Published in: Inorganic chemistry communications Vol. 170; p. 113280
• Main Authors: Yousuf, Hasnain, Khokhar, Muhammad Quddamah, Alamgeer, Madara, Polgampola Chamani, Jony, Jaljalalul Abedin, Nur Aida, Maha, ur Rahman, Rafi, Jang, Seokjin, Bae, Junhan, Yi, Junsin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01-12-2024
• Subjects: Crystalline Silicon (c-Si); Current matching; External Quantum Efficiency (EQE); III–V 3J flexible solar cell; Tandem solar cells; III–V 3J flexible solar cell; Current matching; Tandem solar cells; Crystalline Silicon (c-Si); External Quantum Efficiency (EQE)
• ISSN: 1387-7003
• DOI: 10.1016/j.inoche.2024.113280

[Display omitted]
•n-TOPCon Type-1 bottom cell achieved the highest efficiency of 6.33%.•Integrated III–V Flex Cell with n-TOPCon1 reached 35.4% efficiency.•EQE and Jsc analyses highlighted optimal spectral response.•Series and shunt resistances key to electrical behavior under dark conditions.•Tandem solar cells exceed single-junction efficiency limits.
This study explores the advancement of high-efficiency tandem solar cells by integrating crystalline silicon (c-Si) technologies—specifically n-TOPCon, p-PERC, and n-HJT—with III–V semiconductor materials. Through detailed analysis of current–voltage (IV) characteristics, external quantum efficiency (EQE), and dark current-voltages (DIV) behavior, this study aims to optimize these cells for tandem applications. The n-TOPCon Type-1 bottom cell demonstrated the highest efficiency (η) of 6.33 %, with a short-circuit current density (Jsc) of 12.91 mA/cm2, an open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.679 V, and a fill factor (FF) of 72.12 % by matching the current with top III–V multijunction cell. The n-TOPCon Type-2 and p-PERC cells showed competitive performance, achieving η of 5.63 % and 5.44 % respectively. The n-HJT cell, despite its highest Voc of 0.681 V, had a slightly lower η of 5.33 %. When integrated with III–V cells, these configurations achieved substantial efficiency gains. Notably in tandem configurations, the n-TOPCon-1 with III–V 3J (three-junction) Flex Cell in series achieved an η of 35.4 %, with a Jsc of 12.91 mA/cm2, Voc of 3.663 V, and FF of 77.56 %. The EQE and integrated Jsc analyses highlighted the spectral response and efficiency of the triple-junction flexible solar cell, while the DIV characteristics provided insights into electrical behavior under dark conditions. Overall, this study underscores the potential of c-Si and III–V tandem solar cells to exceed single-junction efficiency limits, highlighting the importance of innovation and optimization in photovoltaic technology for achieving more efficient and reliable solar energy solutions.