Development of high efficiency CZTS solar cell through buffer layer parameters optimization using SCAPS-1D

Abstract

In this paper, numerical modelling and simulation using SCAPS-1D software have been carried out in order to investigate the effect of different buffer layers (CdS, CdSe and CdTe) on the efficiency of Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) solar cells. The photovoltaic properties (open-circuit voltage (VOC), short-circuit current density (JSC), Fill Factor and Efficiency) have been studied at 300 K and under “AM 1.5 spectrum and one sun” by varying the thickness of the buffer and absorption layers, and the operating temperature. We found that the photovoltaic parameters of the solar cells are affected by the thickness change. Increasing the operating temperature has shown a negative effect on the solar cell performance, and the efficiency for all structures has been decreased with increasing temperature. At the optimum simulation parameters for all solar cell structures (50 nm buffer layer, 2000 nm CZTS absorber layer and operating temperature of 300 K), efficiency of 28.41%, 28.32% and 28.43% has been achieved for CdS, CdSe and CdTe, respectively. The present results can be considered as an important guideline for the fabrication of high-efficiency CZTS solar cell.