Optimization of Mono-Crystalline Silicon Solar Cell Devices Using PC1D Simulation

Expeditious urbanization and rapid industrialization have significantly influenced the rise of energy demand globally in the past two decades. Solar energy is considered a vital energy source that addresses this demand in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly manner. Improving solar cell efficiency is considered a prerequisite to reinforcing silicon solar cells’ growth in the energy market. In this study, the influence of various parameters like the thickness of the absorber or wafer, doping concentration, bulk resistivity, lifetime, and doping levels of the emitter and back surface field, along with the surface recombination velocity (front and back) on solar cell efficiency was investigated using PC1D simulation software. Inferences from the results indicated that the bulk resistivity of 1 Ω·cm; bulk lifetime of 2 ms; emitter (n+) doping concentration of 1×1020 cm−3 and shallow back surface field doping concentration of 1×1018 cm−3; surface recombination velocity maintained in the range of 102 and 103 cm/s obtained a solar cell efficiency of 19%. The Simulation study presented in this article allows faster, simpler, and easier impact analysis of the design considerations on the Si solar cell wafer fabrications with increased performance.

Enhanced Performance of Nanotextured Silicon Solar Cells with Excellent Light-Trapping Properties

Light-trapping nanostructures have been widely used for improving solar cells’ performance, but the higher surface recombination and poor electrode contact introduced need to be addressed. In this work, silicon nanostructures were synthesized via silver-catalyzed etching to texturize solar cells. Atomic-layer-deposited Al2O3 passivated the nanotextured cells. A surface recombination velocity of 126 cm/s was obtained, much lower than the 228 cm/s of the SiNX-passivated one. Additionally, the open-circuit voltage (VOC) of the nanotextured cells improved significantly from 582 to 610 mV, as did the short-circuit current (JSC) from 25.5 to 31 mA/cm2. Furthermore, the electrode contact property was enhanced by light-induced plating. A best efficiency of 13.3% for nano-textured cells was obtained, which is higher than the planar cell’s 12%.

Semiconductor Materials and Modelling for Solar Cells

The book presents a comprehensive survey about advanced solar cell technologies. Focus is placed on semiconductor materials, solar cell efficiency, improvements in surface recombination velocity, charge density, high ultraviolet (UV) sensitivity, modeling of solar cells etc. The book references 281 original resources with their direct web links for in-depth reading.

Theoretical Study of a Bifacial Silicon Solar Cell Front Side Illuminated: Magnetic Field Effect on the Recombination Velocities Inducing the Short Circuit and Limiting the Open Circuit

The aim of this work is to present a study of the recombination velocities at the junction initiating the shortcircuit (Sfsc) and limiting the open circuit (Sfoc) of a silicon solar cell under magnetic field in the static regime. From the continuity equation, the density of minority charge carriers in the base, the photocurrent density, and the phototension are determined. The study of the photocurrent density and the phototension, as a function of the junction recombination velocity, makes it possible to determine the recombination velocities at the junction initiating the short-circuit and limiting the open circuit respectively. From the profile of the variation of the photocurrent density and of the phototension as a function of the junction recombination velocity, a technique for determining the junction recombination velocities initiating the short circuit situation and limiting the open circuit is presented.