Performance and optimization study of selected 4-terminal tandem solar cells

Abstract

Tandem solar cells owing to their layered structure in which each sub-cell utilizes a certain part of the solar spectrum with reduced thermal losses, are promising applicants to promote the power conversion efficiency beyond the Shockley–Queisser limit of single-junction solar cells. This study delves into the performance and optimization of 4-terminal organic/silicon tandem solar cells through numerical simulations using SCAPS-1D software. The tandem architecture combining organic, perovskite, and silicon materials, shows potential in enhancing light absorption across the solar spectrum with complementary absorption spectra. Through innovative material exploration, optimization techniques are explored to advance the performance boundaries of organic/silicon tandem solar cells. The study employs the Beer–Lambert law to assess the impact of varied physical parameters on tandem solar cell efficiency, aiming to propose optimal configurations. Results indicate a maximum efficiency of 25.86% with P3HT:PC70BM organic active layer (150 nm thickness) and 36.8% with Cs2AgBi0.75Sb0.25Br6 active layer (400 nm thickness) in the studied 4-terminal tandem structures. These findings offer valuable insights into the complex physics of these tandem solar cells, for developing high-performance and commercially practical photovoltaic devices.