A new method for computer-aided optimization of solar cell structures

Abstract

A new method for truly optimizing the design of intrinsic solar-cell structures has been established. To support the proposed method, a device modeling technique specialized for n + p solar cells with uniform doping has been developed, and the constrained optimization technique extended from Rosenbrock's algorithm has been implemented. All parameters to be optimized are simultaneously adjusted in a systematic manner, resulting in a truly optimum design. Several design examples for n +− p solar cells, such as maximizing cell efficiency and minimizing cell thickness while maintaining the acceptable characteristics, have been used to demonstrate the validity of the proposed method. Moreover, this method has also been successfully applied to the optimum design of other solar cell structures.