Optimization of the Geometric Design of Silicon Solar Cells under Concentrated Sunlight

Abstract

The optimization of silicon solar cells is presented. The desired performance characteristics of a solar cell include a high conversion efficiency and a large power output through optimal grid contact design with minimal power losses under concentrated sunlight. Both square and rectangular shapes of linear grid contact patterns are considered for silicon solar cells with constraints on design parameters. The optical and ohmic losses are noted in computing the conversion efficiency and power output, which influence the structure and size of the solar cell and the grid contact design. In the optimization of solar cell performance, the various power losses caused by grid contact that influence the solar cell size, geometry of the fingers, busbars, and spacing between the metal grid lines are also considered. The proposed methodology permits the design of the solar cell for optimal cell performance even when some of the parameters, such as the size of the cell or the geometry of the fingers, are prespecified.