2002 · 21 citations · 10 references
EngineeringElectrical EngineeringMaterials ScienceOptoelectronicsSemiconductor DevicesSemiconductor MaterialsPhotovoltaic DevicesSemiconductor Device MaterialsSemiconductor PhysicsSemiconductor Thin FilmsSolar CellsSolar Photovoltaic SystemsAntireflection CoatingsHeterojunction Solar CellsIrradianceOpen-circuit VoltageSolar Cell Device PhysicsSurface RecombinationTandem Solar CellsThin-film Solar Cells
Theoretical efficiencies are calculated for two-junction, series-connected solar cells using AM1.5 global and direct irradiance spectra. For (bandgap combinations) previously limited by a low bottom-cell current, thinning of the top cell is shown to result in significant increases in the theoretical efficiencies. The increases are primarily due to increased short-circuit currents resulting from (current matching). Smaller gains are also seen in the (open-circuit voltages) of the thinner cells with low surface-recombination velocities. Some current matching can also be achieved by adjusting the antireflection coating thicknesses. This model has important implications for the design of GaInP/GaAs, AlGaAs/GaAs, and GaAs/Ge tandem cells.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">></ETX>
10
A 27.3% efficient Ga0.5In0.5P/GaAs tandem solar cell
J. M. Olson, Sarah Kurtz, A. Kibbler et al. · Applied Physics Letters · 1990 · 310 citations