The open-circuit voltage of back-surface-field (BSF) p- n junction solar cells in concentrated sunlight

Abstract

Simple analytical expressions for the open-circuit voltage of the n +− p− p + and p +− n− n + BSF solar cells, which are valid for both the low- and high-levels of optical illumination, are derived. Based on the principle of superposition the open-circuit voltage of both the n +− p− p + and p +− n− n + solar cells are expressed in terms of the short-circuit current and the known saturated dark current. Effects of the high-low junction doping, the energy-gap shrinkage, and the dimensions of the BSF solar cells on the open-circuit voltage are included. The numerical results of the derived expressions are found to be in good agreement with the exact numerical analysis of Fossum et al. The optimal design considerations based on the known characteristics of the open-circuit voltage are also discussed.