Abstract
Enhancing light absorption is an important way for solar cells to increase the conversion efficiency. In this paper, we prepared a quasi-hemispherical pit array texture on the glass surface through the micro-fabrication process. Then, silicon thin-film (a-Si:H) solar cells were deposited on the other smooth surface. Pit array textured cells exhibit a higher short-circuit current density and power conversion efficiency than flat devices by ∼7% and 5%, respectively. The reflectance spectrum of textured solar cells is considerably reduced, and the external quantum efficiency is considerably improved in the 300–800 nm wavelength range. Through COMSOL Multiphysics and finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulation, three significant effects identify light-trapping characteristics for textured structures: surface reflection reduction, secondary absorption, and light scattering. As a result, the textured surface of the quasi-hemispherical pit array can considerably increase the efficiency of solar cells. Meanwhile, the Lumerical DEVICE software was used to simulate the electrical characteristics of the cell, and the experimental results were theoretically proven.
Highlights
In the past few decades, the photovoltaic industry has developed rapidly
This research demonstrates that the quasihemispherical pit array textured surface has the optical property of light trapping while being non-destructive to solar cells
The surface of the textured glass consists of regular quasi-hemispherical pit arrays
Summary
In the past few decades, the photovoltaic industry has developed rapidly. Thin-film solar cells play a significant role because of their merits of long-time stability, low cost, and large-scale manufacturability. Another advantage of using thin films is the ability to generate mechanically flexible and partially transparent cells. The thin absorbing layer, on the other hand, results in poor light absorption, which is a bottleneck for high conversion efficiency. The majority of them are formed using time-consuming and costly techniques, such as wet/dry etching and lithography.31 These destructive trap structures impede cell deposition and degrade their performance. Tsui et al. recently reported the formation of a three-dimensional (3D) nanocone film by molding polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) It is used as light-trapping structures on the front surface of the solar cell to improve efficiency. This research demonstrates that the quasihemispherical pit array textured surface has the optical property of light trapping while being non-destructive to solar cells. It can improve light absorption and, as a result, the conversion efficiency of solar cells
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