Characteristics Of Solar Cells Research Articles

A A highly efficient InGaP thin film solar cell structure, optimization and characteristics

Inorganic solar cells based on III-V semiconductor materials are widely used owing to their high efficiencies. In this work, we aim to improve the performance of the single heterojunction solar cell InGaP. The InGaP cell is constituted of a back surface field (BSF), a base, an emitter and a window layer with InAlAsP material. The simulation is done after optimization, modeling, and choice of the used materials and the thickness of different layers constituting the solar cell. The choice of materials whose gap energy is decreasing allows the absorption of the solar spectrum in its almost totality. Then, we varied the temperature to know its effects on the gap energy and the efficiency of the InGaP cell. The InGaP and solar cell with optimal parameters are illuminated by an AM1.5 solar spectrum through InAlAsP window layer. The simulation and optimization at 300K of short circuit current parameters (Jsc), open circuit voltage (Voc), fill factor (FF) and efficiency (?) are done using Tcad Silvaco software. The characteristics obtained are: the minimized thickness of 665 nm, electrical efficiency is about ? = 21.87% for InGaP cell, Jsc = 14.43 mA/cm2, Voc = 1.63 V, and FF = 91.21 %.

Hysteresis and Its Correlation to Ionic Defects in Perovskite Solar Cells.

Ion migration has been reported to be one of the main reasons for hysteresis in the current-voltage (J-V) characteristics of perovskite solar cells. We investigate the interplay between ionic conduction and hysteresis types by studying Cs0.05(FA0.83MA0.17)0.95Pb(I0.9Br0.1)3 triple-cation perovskite solar cells through a combination of impedance spectroscopy (IS) and sweep-rate-dependent J-V curves. By comparing polycrystalline devices to single-crystal MAPbI3 devices, we separate two defects, β and γ, both originating from long-range ionic conduction in the bulk. Defect β is associated with a dielectric relaxation, while the migration of γ is influenced by the perovskite/hole transport layer interface. These conduction types are the causes of different types of hysteresis in J-V curves. The accumulation of ionic defects at the transport layer is the dominant cause for observing tunnel-diode-like characteristics in the J-V curves. By comparing devices with interface modifications at the electron and hole transport layers, we discuss the species and polarity of involved defects.

Characterization of a Heterojunction Silicon Solar Cell by Means of Impedance Spectroscopy.

Impedance spectroscopy provides relevant knowledge on the recombination and extraction of photogenerated charge carriers in various types of photovoltaic devices. In particular, this method is of great benefit to the study of crystalline silicon (c-Si)-based solar cells, a market-dominating commercial technology, for example, in terms of the comparison of various types of c-Si devices. This study investigates the dark and light electrophysical characteristics of a heterojunction silicon solar cell fabricated using plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. The measurements are performed at various applied biases, enabling the determination of complex resistance, characteristic time, capacitive response and impurity concentration within the semiconductor junction and to correlate them with the device performance. In addition, the impedance spectra of the studied cell were investigated as a function of temperature. Studies of the frequency and temperature dependences of capacitance do not reveal a significant presence of thermally activated centers of free carrier capture, concomitant with a very small value of the activation energy extracted from an Arrhenius-type analysis. This leads to a conclusion that these centers are likely not impactful on the device operation and efficiency.

Study on the photovoltaic characteristics of solar cells based on PbS quantum dots and carbon counter electrode

Lead sulfide (PbS) quantum dots (QDs) with their customizable and precise energy levels, have emerged as highly promising photosensitizers in quantum dots sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs). This research focuses on fabricating high-performance QDSSCs anchored on PbS QDs sensitized mesoporous titania coated FTO electrodes. The PbS QDs were grown on mesoporous TiO2 through the Successive Ionic Layer Absorption and Reaction (SILAR) method. The optical properties were analyzed using UV–visible absorption spectroscopy, revealing that the SILAR cycles impacted the size and band gap of the PbS QDs. By analyzing the absorption data and the hyperbolic band model (HBM), the size of the PbS QDs were estimated to be 1.65 nm, 2.126 nm, 2.326 nm, 2.5692 nm, and 3.048 nm for 1 to 5 SILAR cycles, respectively. The effect of SILAR cycles was investigated, demonstrating a direct correlation between the number of SILAR cycles and the photovoltaic performance of the device. The maximum power conversion efficiency of 2.07 % was attained using 2 SILAR cycles, in contrast to 1.33 % and 1.63 % obtained with one and three SILAR cycles, respectively. Furthermore, impedance spectroscopy (IS), (Cs-V) (Rs-V) was employed at different frequencies, highlighting lowest series resistance for 2 SILAR cycles confirming its highest photovoltaic performance. Moreover, The utilization of a low-cost polysulfide electrolyte and carbon electrode has yielded superior or comparable outcomes compared to previously reported data.

Infrared-reflective ultrathin-metal-film-based transparent electrode with ultralow optical loss for high efficiency in solar cells

In this work we study in-depth the antireflection and filtering properties of ultrathin-metal-film-based transparent electrodes (MTEs) integrated in thin-film solar cells. Based on numerical optimization of the MTE design and the experimental characterization of thin-film perovskite solar cell (PSC) samples, we show that reflection in the visible spectrum can be strongly suppressed, in contrast to common belief (due to the compact metal layer). The optical loss of the optimized electrode (~ 2.9%), composed of a low-resistivity metal and an insulator, is significantly lower than that of a conventional transparent conductive oxide (TCO ~ 6.3%), thanks to the very high transmission of visible light within the cell (> 91%) and low thickness (< 70 nm), whereas the reflection of infrared light (~ 70%) improves by > 370%. To assess the application potentials, integrated current density > 25 mA/cm2, power conversion efficiency > 20%, combined with vastly reduced device heat load by 177.1 W/m2 was achieved in state-of-the-art PSCs. Our study aims to set the basis for a novel interpretation of composite electrodes/structures, such as TCO–metal–TCO, dielectric–metal–dielectric or insulator–metal–insulator, and hyperbolic metamaterials, in high-efficiency optoelectronic devices, such as solar cells, semi-transparent, and concentrated systems, and other electro-optical components including smart windows, light-emitting diodes, and displays.

Vertical plane depth‐resolved surface potential and carrier separation characteristics in flexible CZTSSe solar cells with over 12% efficiency

AbstractCu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe) solar cells have resource distribution and economic advantages. The main cause of their low efficiency is carrier loss resulting from recombination of photo‐generated electron and hole. To overcome this, it is important to understand their electron‐hole behavior characteristics. To determine the carrier separation characteristics, we measured the surface potential and the local current in terms of the absorber depth. The elemental variation in the intragrains (IGs) and at the grain boundaries (GBs) caused a band edge shift and bandgap (Eg) change. At the absorber surface and subsurface, an upward Ec and Ev band bending structure was observed at the GBs, and the carrier separation was improved. At the absorber center, both upward Ec and Ev and downward Ec‐upward Ev band bending structures were observed at the GBs, and the carrier separation was degraded. To improve the carrier separation and suppress carrier recombination, an upward Ec and Ev band bending structure at the GBs is desirable.

Current–voltage characteristics of perovskite solar cells incorporating bulk and surface recombination: comparison of a physics-based model calculations with experiments

Current–voltage characteristics of perovskite solar cells incorporating bulk and surface recombination: comparison of a physics-based model calculations with experiments

Comprehensive Innovation Experiment: Preparation and Characterization of Carbon-based Perovskite Solar Cells

Comprehensive Innovation Experiment: Preparation and Characterization of Carbon-based Perovskite Solar Cells

Functional coatings with carbon quantum dots for solar cells

Currently, research in the world of science is expanding in the field of improving the design parameters of photoconverters, ensuring an increase in their coefficient of performance (efficiency) and an increase in service life. The purpose of the research carried out by the authors of this article is to create a functional coating of solar cell surfaces that is resistant to ultraviolet radiation, allowing to reduce the degree of wear of the active material and increase the overall efficiency of converting solar energy into electrical energy. To confirm the formulated scientific hypothesis about the feasibility of creating functional coatings on the surfaces of photoconverters from materials with carbon quantum dots (CQDs), a special installation was developed and a series of experiments was carried out using a solution of CQDs in xylene, analytical grade isopropyl alcohol, and LA grade polyvinyl butyral. The research results obtained indicate an improvement in the output characteristics of solar cells due to the use of coatings made of materials with carbon quantum dots, including an increase in the overall efficiency. Solar cells provided with the proposed coatings will be in demand for operation in conditions where intense ultraviolet radiation dominates and maximum energy efficiency from solar panels is required: high mountains and open space. The practical application of the developed coatings will increase the efficiency of solar cells by 1–3% and increase their service life by absorbing harmful UV rays that destroy the active material by at least 10%.

Dislocations in Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells

Dislocation is a common extended defect in crystalline silicon solar cells, which affects the recombination characteristics of solar cells by forming deep‐level defect states in the silicon bandgap, thereby reducing the lifetime of minority carrier. Hence, reducing the impact of defects on device performance is an effective strategy to optimize the performance of photovoltaic devices. This article reviews the observation and engineering of dislocation in Si solar cell. The structure and deformation of Si can be directly observed by chemical etching combined with electron microscopy. Also, more information about dislocation is obtained indirectly by monitoring the electrical and optical properties of Si. The classification, density, distribution of dislocations, and their interactions with other defects in Si can affect the lifetime of minority carriers and thereby reduce the performance of Si solar cells. In order to achieve higher cell efficiency, crystals with less or even no dislocation should be obtained. In addition to the specification of controlling the relevant parameters during the growth of silicon ingots to obtain the minimum dislocation density, it is necessary to study the behavior of dislocation in Si wafers under the combined action of external stress, temperature, and other defects.

Experimental approval of the working modes of the Sunbrick sun simulator

Commissioning and experimental testing of technical capabilities and modes of operation were carried out, and test measurements of light current-voltage characteristics of solar cells were carried out using a modern measuring complex based on the Sunbrick sun simulator. Automated measurement of the light-voltage-current characteristics of solar cells by the compensation method using the Keithley 2400 measuring device was implemented. During the approbation of the measuring complex based on the Sunbrick sun simulator, the possibility of reproducing different modes of simulator operation was tested and the ability to control radiation in terms of energy in the range from 100 to 1100 W/m2 and by spectral composition. It was established that the spatial unevenness of illumination for the investigated device is less than 2 % with an illumination area of more than 400 cm2. It is shown that the tested measuring complex allows for automated research of solar cells in irradiation regimes corresponding to both terrestrial irradiation conditions and extraatmospheric solar radiation conditions. The possibility of individual adjustment of each of the 36 channels of the emitting element in the range from 400 to 1100 nm has been tested, which adds flexibility in the use of the Sunbrick sun simulator during the study of both solar cells as a whole and the properties of functional semiconductor materials by irradiation with monochromatic or mixed illumination. It is shown that due to the rapidity of conducting research and the ability to immediately visualize the measured current-voltage characteristic on the computer screen, it is possible to significantly speed up the process of researching solar cells. Thus, it is possible to immediately divide the investigated solar cells into groups in relation to their efficiency and determine the presence of possible defects or damage in their structure.

Investigating the effect of adding silver nanoparticles to hybrid crystalline silicon solar cells

Hybrid silicon solar cells are an implementation of solar cells which have a simple fabrication process meanwhile absorbing a wider range of light spectrums compared to common silicon solar cells, although hybrid silicon solar cells have relatively low efficiencies. Metal nanoparticles have been known to enhance the performance of solar cells due to their localized surface plasmon resonance effect. The present study evaluates the addition of silver nanoparticles to enhance the properties and performance of hybrid silicon solar cells. In this regard silver nanoparticles are added to hybrid silicon solar cells producing different layer combinations in hybrid silicon solar cells. According to the results the addition of silver nanoparticles in specific combinations may enhance the performance whereas in other combinations may destroy the photovoltaic characteristics of the hybrid solar cell. A certain combination of the hybrid silicon solar cells including silver nanoparticles has been proposed wherein the properties of the cell are enhanced due to the plasmonic effect of silver nanoparticles. However, silver nanoparticles added on the surface of the photovoltaic cells cause shading, thus decreasing the active surface of the cell and thereby reducing the efficiency of the cells. Therefore, there is an optimum surface distribution for silver nanoparticles to benefit from the localized surface plasmon resonance effect meanwhile not shading a large amount of the cell and reducing the active surface area of the cell which is evaluated in the present research. Accordingly, by adding silver nanoparticles from a solution of 50% vl concentration the efficiency of the hybrid silicon cell reached 3.7% which is a significant increase compared to the efficiency of the ordinary hybrid silicon solar cells which was 1.8%.

Optical and electrical characteristics of perovskite solar cells incorporating MoO3 as an active layer

Perovskite-based solar cell technologies have sparked much interest in recent decades. A solar cell’s efficiency is an essential factor in developing a highly efficient device. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of Perovskite-based solar cells can be enhanced by adding new materials to the photon-absorbing layer and altering the electron and hole transport layers. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is commonly used in electron transport layers (ETLs), but it has been shown that replacing TiO2 with molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) improves PCE. We use the OghmaNano software to simulate a perovskite-based solar cell and investigate the PCE for TiO2 and MoO3 ETL layers by altering their thickness. The influence of electron and hole drift diffusion, carrier continuity equations in the position space to describe charge flow within the device, Poisson’s equation, and charge carrier recombination have all been investigated in the context of solar cell simulation. It was observed that by substituting the ETL layer of TiO2 with MoO3 in the device, the PCE significantly increases.

Machine learning quantification of grain characteristics for perovskite solar cells

Machine learning quantification of grain characteristics for perovskite solar cells

Advances in the Use of Atomic Force Microscopy as a Diagnostic Tool for Solar Cells Characterization: From Material Design to Device Applications

Considerable efforts in search for an effective characterization technique for photovoltaic devices with utmost precision is on the increase. For precise analysis and tailoring of device performance, a reliable technique is vital. Atomic force microscopy is one of the leading surface analysis techniques of choice for probing surface patterns in a variety of materials with atomic precision using a cantilever. It has evolved as a reliable technique for the investigation of subatomic scale properties of materials such as photocurrent heterogeneity, electromechanical response, charge distribution, molecular weight effects, and many other material parameters. The integration of artificial intelligence hybrid algorithms in atomic force microscope for optoelectronic device fabrication and characterization has increasingly emerged to be desirable due to its reliability and effectiveness in achieving high image resolution, automated analysis, actuation, and the coupling of manufactured units with a precision down to atomic units. In this review, an investigation of topical developments in the use of atomic force microscopy as a diagnostic tool for solar cells characterization is presented with special focus on polymer solar cells, perovskite solar cells, quantum dots‐sensitized solar cells, dye‐sensitized solar cells, fullerene‐based solar cells, III‐V‐based solar cells, and silicon‐based solar cells.

Investigation of the Photoelectric Characteristics of GaAs Solar Cells with Different InGaAs Quantum Dot Array Positioning in the i-Region

Investigation of the Photoelectric Characteristics of GaAs Solar Cells with Different InGaAs Quantum Dot Array Positioning in the i-Region

Comprehensive Comparison Between the Experimental and Simulated characteristics of the Mono-Crystalline Silicon Solar Cell Using SCAPS-1D

Comprehensive Comparison Between the Experimental and Simulated characteristics of the Mono-Crystalline Silicon Solar Cell Using SCAPS-1D

Investigation of polyvinyl butyral coatings with carbon quantum dots on the characteristics of silicon solar cells

Investigation of polyvinyl butyral coatings with carbon quantum dots on the characteristics of silicon solar cells

A Solar Cell Characteristic Measurement Device Based on STM32

With the increasing development of the new energy photovoltaic (PV) industry and in-depth research of PV materials, it has become crucial to measure the characteristics of such materials. This enables R&amp;D personnel to quickly iterate PV materials for further advancements. In the traditional R&amp;D of photovoltaic materials, researchers often need to continuously iterate the materials, repeatedly measure the experimental materials, and ultimately get the best material ratio structure. Therefore, this paper designed an experimental device based on the STM32 chip for measuring solar cell characteristics. It can accurately and quickly measure the characteristics of a certain solar cell. CIGS thin-film solar cells were used as the experimental materials, and the light-dark voltammetry and temperature resistance experiments were done in turn. Therefore, it proved that the device has great commercial prospects.

Accelerated Discovery of Perovskite-Inspired Materials through Robotized Screening Including Solar Cell Characterization

Accelerated Discovery of Perovskite-Inspired Materials through Robotized Screening Including Solar Cell Characterization