Types Of Solar Cells Research Articles

Ambient-aging process enables enhanced efficiency for wide-bandgap perovskite solar cells

Wide-bandgap perovskite is considered an ideal absorber for the top component cell of a tandem configuration, in addition to having proven advantageous for indoor light conversion and semitransparent solar cells. In this work, we demonstrate an ambient aging process that appears to further raise the performance of wide-bandgap perovskite solar cells. Systematic study shows that that secondary recrystallization arises during the aging process. The defect density is further attenuated by air passivation and the self-healing effect induced by halogen redistribution. As such, the nonradiative recombination in the perovskite films is suppressed, and the carrier lifetime is prolonged during the ambient aging. The champion wide-bandgap (Eg=1.74 eV) perovskite solar cell delivered a power-conversion efficiency as high as 20.12%, coupled with a high open-circuit voltage of 1.27 V, which is among the highest values reported for this type of wide-bandgap solar cells. This work reveals the impact of the air aging process on the properties of perovskite films from various aspects and demonstrates a scalable post-treatment strategy capable of producing state-of-the-art semiconducting films.

Comparative study of commercial crystalline solar cells

In this research article, a comparative study of different types, i.e., conventional (Multicrystalline & Monocrystalline) and Passivated Emitter Rear Cell (PERC) of commercially available crystalline silicon solar cells have been carried out in terms of their spectral response (SR), quantum efficiency (QE) and current–voltage (I-V) characteristics. The SR, Internal Quantum Efficiency (IQE), and External Quantum Efficiency (EQE) measurements have been utilized for analyzing the internal parameters such as diffusion length (L) and dead layer (dl) thickness values in all types of solar cells using Medium Wavelength Spectral Response (MWSR) and Short Wavelength Spectral Response (SWSR) methods respectively. The effect of surface passivation on the diffusion length has also been studied for mono, multi, and PERC crystalline solar cells. The results indicate that the PERC solar cells have a higher L and lower dl value and the probable reason for the high performance of this technology. The different types of solar cells are also converted into modules, and the I-V characterization is done with the Sun simulator and indicates the high performance of PERC modules. The paper also highlights one of the probable reasons for the recent PV market shift towards PERC technology.

Machine Learning Performance Prediction of a Solar Photovoltaic-Thermoelectric System with Various Crystalline Silicon Cell Types

Since the solar photovoltaic-thermoelectric (PV-TE) is an upcoming technology, the current literature on PV-TEs have failed to thoroughly investigate the effects of different solar cell types on the PV-TE’s performance. Such parametric study becomes necessary since the properties of the solar cell, characterized by the cell temperature coefficient and reference efficiency, determine the overall performance of the PV-TE. Further, the design information obtained from numerical solvers is minimal due to the high time and computational energy required to optimize the photovoltaic-thermoelectric (PV-TE) performance. This problem severely affects the ease with which useful design information can be drawn from current methods to design high-performance PVs. Additionally, to reduce the complexity of the existing numerical model, the previous models have introduced some principal assumptions that have significantly affected the accuracy of the numerical results. Finally, the numerical model has neglected several real-life operating conditions since they increase the model complexity. For the first time, deep neural networks are proposed to predict the photovoltaic-thermoelectric performance designed with 3 different crystalline solar cells as a perfect replacement for the inefficient numerical methods used to analyze the hybrid system. After that, the data generated by the numerical solver is fed to an optimum 3-layer deep neural network with 20 neurons per layer to forecast the hybrid system’s performance efficiently. The training of the neural network is governed by Bayesian regularization and the performance of the model is evaluated using the mean squared error, coefficient of determination, and training time. Results show that the deep neural network accurately learned the results that took the conventional numerical solver 1,600 mins to generate in just 12 min and 27 s, making the proposed network 128.51 times faster than the traditional numerical method. Furthermore, the accuracy of the network is demonstrated by the low mean squared error of 3.34 × 10 − 8 and high training and testing regression of 100% and 99.98%, respectively.

Overview on Different Types of Solar Cells: An Update

Solar energy is free from noise and environmental pollution. It could be used to replace non-renewable sources such as fossil fuels, which are in limited supply and have negative environmental impacts. The first generation of solar cells was made from crystalline silicon. They were relatively efficient, however very expensive because they require a lot of energy to purify the silicon. Nowadays, the production of solar cells has been improved since the first generation (thin-film solar cells, dye-sensitized solar cells, perovskite solar cells, and organic solar cells). In this work, the development of solar cells was discussed. The advantages, limitations, challenges, and future trends of these solar cells were also reported. Lastly, this article emphasized the various practices to promote solar energy and highlighted the power conversion efficiency of the fabricated devices.

Analysis of variation in recombination characteristics due to light and heat in industrial silicon solar cells

This work presents a comprehensive analysis of the variation in performance parameters of monocrystalline and multicrystalline silicon solar cells when subjected to illumination at elevated temperature. Higher degradation and better regeneration in performance parameters namely open circuit voltage (VOC), short circuit current density (JSC) and fill factor (FF) are observed for monocrystalline solar cells. Suns-VOC measurement clearly indicate that the recombination current densities within the space charge region (J02) and rest of the solar cells (J01) together play an important role in light and elevated temperature induced degradation (LeTID) and subsequent regeneration characteristics. During the degradation phase, both J01 and J02 changed significantly for monocrystalline and multicrystalline solar cells. During regeneration, even though J01 improved for both the types of solar cells, notable reduction in J02 was observed only for monocrystalline solar cells. FF loss analysis shows that the recombination in the space charge region is majorly responsible for degradation and regeneration in FF. In contrast to most of the previous studies, we report similar reduction in external quantum efficiency (EQE) at 984 nm, 877 nm and 658 nm and propose that the formation of defects related to LeTID are not only in the deep bulk, but are distributed throughout the bulk. Absence of any improvement in EQE after prolonged exposure to light and heat suggests that defect transformation and gettering are not sufficient enough to regenerate JSC in multicrystalline solar cells. EQE maps at 407 nm suggest that LeTID behavior of emitter is different from that of bulk.

Modified Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) Based Polymer Electrolyte for Dye Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs)

AbstractDue to increasing energy demand day by day, it must be necessary to have an alternate source of energy beside natural resources. Sun is the ultimate source of solar energy. So, from this solar energy, various types of solar cells are fabricated easily which are available in markets but these are somewhat costly. So, there is requirement of a low‐cost alternative to costly crystalline solar cells, which is fulfilled by dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC). Due to many potential properties like good ionic conductivity, thin film forming ability and many more, polymer electrolyte plays a vital role in improving the efficiency of DSSC which cannot be obtained by using volatile liquid electrolytes which are used earlier. The reliance of DSSCs on liquid electrolytes imposes a limit and restriction on the manufacture of DSSC modules. Liquid electrolyte faces many problems like corrosion, leakage, and evaporation. When the photoanode comes into touch with the volatilized redox‐electrolytes solution, the charge distribution at the semiconductor–electrolyte interface changes, resulting in photo corrosion on the photoelectrode. Furthermore, electron recombination at semiconductor–liquid electrolytes interfaces is discovered to cause performance losses. The concept of ionic conductivity observed in polymer materials when complexed with salt is a significant step forward in the development of DSSC devices.In this review, the fabrication of DSSC using polymer electrolyte, specifically PVA based solid polymer electrolyte is discussed. Here solid polymer electrolytes are of special interest due to thin film forming ability and overall good performance. Due to inherent properties like cost‐effectiveness, better tensile strength, and high hydrophilicity, PVA is chosen as a novel applicant for host polymer. The recent advancement of DSSC using modified PVA polymer electrolyte by incorporation of nanosized fillers, plasticizers, polymer blend, by the formation of conducting polymer electrolyte are discussed in detail. The improvement in ionic conductivity and enhanced efficiency of DSSC by using above mentioned factors are also discussed.

Noise Spectroscopy: A Tool to Understand the Physics of Solar Cells

Noise spectroscopy is essentially focused on the investigation of electric fluctuations produced by physical mechanisms intrinsic to conductor materials. Very complex electrical transport phenomena can be interpreted through the study of the fluctuation properties, which provide interesting information both from the point of view of basic research and of applications. In this respect, low-frequency electric noise analysis was proposed more than twenty years ago to determine the quality of solar cells and photovoltaic modules, and, more recently, for the reliability estimation of heterojunction solar cells. This spectroscopic tool is able to unravel specific aspects related to radiation damage. Moreover, it can be used for a detailed temperature-dependent electrical characterization of the charge carrier capture/emission and recombination kinetics. This gives the possibility to directly evaluate the system health state. Real-time monitoring of the intrinsic noise response is also very important for the identification of the microscopic sources of fluctuations and their dynamic processes. This allows for identifying possible strategies to improve efficiency and performance, especially for emerging photovoltaic devices. In this work are the reported results of detailed electrical transport and noise characterizations referring to three different types of solar cells (silicon-based, organic, and perovskite-based) and they are interpreted in terms of specific physical models.

Passive Satellite Solar Panel Thermal Control with Long-Wave Cut-Off Filter-Coated Solar Cells

Satellite performance and capability have increased dramatically, particularly for micro- and nanosatellites, requiring more power supply and higher thermal conditions. Problems worth considering include how to provide more power with little or no weight increase, and how to reduce satellite thermal control difficulties. A new way to decrease the temperature of the solar panels on a satellite was proposed. Firstly, the model of solar cells is presented, and the relationship between solar irradiation and the electricity generated explained. Based on this, a new method to reduce the temperature of the solar cell is proposed. Details about current generation and temperature rise calculations for various types of solar cells are also provided. Finally, an experiment was conducted on original and proposed solar cells. While the experiment showed some degree of effectiveness, further experiments are needed.

Challenges and Potential of Perovskite Solar Cells

A solar cell is a device that converts sunlight into electricity. There are different types of solar cells but in this literature mainly focuses on a type of new dominant solar cell material that has the name organo-metal halide perovskite, namely known as perovskite solar cells, in shortly PSCs . In this respect, the efficiency of power conversion is taken into account to replace the dominancy of traditional and second generation solar cell fields by perovskite solar cells. Perovskite solar cell is a type of solar cell including a perovskite structure, usually a hybrid organic-inorganic lead or tin halide- based material. In this review, a comprehensive study of the perspective challenges and their potential has been highlighted for their future application. There are rigorous research efforts in aspects of device engineering, including physical and chemical passivation, and the use of a wide variety of organic and inorganic additives to develop the advanced PSCs.

Closed loop proportional resonant controller controlled DC microgrid system with advanced material technology in solar PV system

Direct Current microgrid has emerged as one of the major research fields in recent years due to the higher level of benefits of the DC system when compared to the AC system, such as energy storage, flexibility with modernized loads, and renewable energy sources. Many studies have been conducted on the DC microgrid system in order to improve its efficiency. In this work, by using conventional PI controllers and advanced controllers like fractional order proportional integral derivative (FOPID) and proportional resonance (PR) controllers, a DC microgrid system is controlled. A closed-loop DC micro-grid containing sustainable power sources, stockpiled components, and transients is introduced. The PI controller is the most commonly used in power frameworks for assisting with the control of microgrids. Aside from PI, there are a slew of independent and hybrid regulators that can serve significantly better than PI in terms of microgrid framework relevance. The closed-loop DC microgrid framework systems with FOPID-FOPID and PR-PR-based DC microgrid structures are investigated and re-enacted utilising Simulink in MATLAB, and their outcomes are introduced. This paper also looks at advanced solar cell material technology, which has been used as an energy source in the DC microgrid system for higher power delivery. In this work, the performance of several solar cell types is compared along with an overview of recent developments in solar cell technology.

Исследования радиационной стойкости гетероструктурных кремниевых солнечных элементов

The radiation resistance of different types of heterostructural silicon solar cells under irradiation with 1 MeV electrons in the fluence range 2.5•1014 - 1•1015 cm-2 has been studied. Studies have shown that the smallest degradation of the“saturation” currents of the diffusion current flow mechanism from J0d ≤ 5 10-13 to J0d ≤ 3 10-12 A/cm2 and efficiency from 19.2 to 13.6% (AM0, 1367W/m2) were n-α-Si:H/c-p(Ga)/p-α-Si:H and n-µc-Si:H/c-p(Ga)/p-α-Si:H. The results obtained make it possible to evaluate the prospects for the use of heterostructure silicon solar cells for low-orbit spacecraft.

Numerical modelling of the effect of MAPI3 thin film on ITO/TiO2/MEH-PPV/Au solar cell

Considering the temporary ecological challenges confronting our global milieu, the imperative to transition towards sustainable and conscientious methodologies looms as an unequivocal necessity. As purveyors of scientific inquiry our mandate is to meticulously explore a plethora of alternatives, liberating ourselves from the shackles of deleterious energy sources. We are investigating the value of semiconducting polymer-based solar cells in this work from a material science perspective because they are quite affordable to synthesize and have demonstrated some encouraging results, due to its notable benefits in photovoltaic (PV) applications, such as its high absorption coefficients, excellent charge carrier mobility, and favorable blend morphology with acceptor materials, which all contribute to improved device performance. We are using poly[2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene] (MEH-PPV) in this study. In order to investigate the impact of the Methylammonium Lead Iodide Perovskite (MAPI3) thin film on the performance of the ITO/TiO2/MEH-PPV/Au solar cell, a numerical simulation was carried out using SCAPS-1D. Open circuit voltage (Voc), density of short circuit (Jsc), fill factor (FF), efficiency (η), and other solar cell metrics were measured and analyzed, with special emphasis to device inputs and the ensuing improvements. The performance of the MEH-PPV/TiO2 solar cell has been enhanced by the addition of MAPI3, resulting in a noteworthy 14% efficiency boost. These modelling results can be very useful for a better understanding and control of this type of solar cells.

Advancement in CdMnTe-based photovoltaic cells: Grain growth, deep states and device efficiency assessment with chlorine treatment

The suitability of the metal rear contact, the density of surface states, the rate of recombination of the absorber layer, and open circuit voltage loss are all innate issues with typical CdTe solar cells. These problems can be addressed with small Mn doping in CdTe, making it a Cd1-xMnxTe (CMT) trinary semiconductor, which can tune the band gaps. With the purpose of give an alternative to traditional CdTe material, CMT PV cells having device structures of ITO/CdS/CMT/Au have been investigated in this study with CdCl2 treatment. The devices were fabricated by vacuum evaporation, and CMT PV cells without and with CdCl2 treatment demonstrated the efficiency of 7.83% and 8.76%. The capacitance–voltage data were also used to calculate the doping concentration and depletion layer width, while deep trap states in the devices were analyzed with the help of Mott-Schottky plots. The Quantum efficiency measurements were done at zero bias to identify the optical or electronic losses in devices with CdCl2 treatment. The grain growth was also explored with chlorine treatment by analyzing SEM images. For further improve the device performance, the states responsible for recombination must be located and eliminated to enhance the fill factor and efficiencies of the devices. The devices' repeatability was also examined and was found to be satisfactory with a 6–10% deviance. This work demonstrates the need for additional research to enhance the performance of CMT PV cells with CdCl2 treatment for usage as an affordable alternative photovoltaic source.

Study of Different Type of Solar Cell

Study of Different Type of Solar Cell

Minimizing the Ohmic Resistance of Wide‐Bandgap Perovskite for Semitransparent and Tandem Solar Cells

To overcome the efficiency limit of perovskite single‐junction solar cells, it is vital to develop various types of tandem solar cells. Especially, wide‐bandgap (WBG) perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have played an important role in high‐efficiency tandem solar cells. Herein, an indium zinc oxide‐based interfacial structure is developed to improve the performance of a WBG PSC and used as the transparent electrode for semitransparent (ST) PSCs. This approach minimizes ohmic contact between the electron‐transport layer and metallic electrode, which also accelerates electron transfer and suppresses trap‐assisted carrier recombination. As a result, the WBG PSC (1.71 eV) shows the best power conversion efficiency of 19.26% and improves operational stability. When the optimized ST‐PSC is used as the ST‐top cell, perovskite/CdTe four‐terminal and perovskite/silicon (double‐side polished) two‐terminal tandem solar cells achieve a maximum efficiency of 22.59% and 26.34%, respectively.

PMMA Lens Arrays for Micro Concentrator Solar Cells Produced by Hot Embossing

The rising energetical needs of modern society have been increasingly pushing for the improvement in energy efficiency. Thin-film solar cell technology encompasses several types of devices whose purpose is to gather energy emitted from a luminous source and convert it into usable electrical energy for a variety of applications, particularly low-powered devices. Micro concentrator solar cells are promising devices to solve the materials availability problem and address the power conversion efficiency simultaneously. Since the energy conversion efficiency for this type of solar cell is not particularly high, it stands out to benefit greatly from using an optical concentrator element to increase the light intensity reaching the active surface. The micro-concentrator element is comprised of a micro-lens array, which can be manufactured by different technologies, such as polymer injection moulding, extrusion, or hot embossing. In this work, we explore how hot embossing can be used to inexpensively produce spherical lenses with Ø 1 mm in an array according to micro concentrator solar cell requirements. A simple compression system coupled with an infrared lamp heat chamber was used to emboss PMMA disks. Different mould insert manufacturing technologies were used and different hot embossing parameters were assessed. The process replicability of the micro-lens cavities was determined by infinite focus microscopy and optical microscopy. The most promising lens array was achieved with a mould insert produced by μ-EDM (with Ra and Rz values of 0.6 μm and 4.58 μm, respectively).

Recent Applications of Antireflection Coatings in Solar Cells

The antireflection coating (ARC) suppresses surface light loss and thus improves the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of solar cells, which is its essential function. This paper reviews the latest applications of antireflection optical thin films in different types of solar cells and summarizes the experimental data. Basic optical theories of designing antireflection coatings, commonly used antireflection materials, and their classic combinations are introduced. Since single and double antireflection coatings no longer meet the research needs in terms of antireflection effect and bandwidth, the current research mainly concentrates on multiple layer antireflection coatings, for example, adjusting the porosity or material components to achieve a better refractive index matching and the reflection effect. However, blindly stacking the antireflection films is unfeasible, and the stress superposition would allow the film layer to fail quickly. The gradient refractive index (GRIN) structure almost eliminates the interface, which significantly improves the adhesion and permeability efficiency. The high-low-high-low refractive index (HLHL) structure achieves considerable antireflection efficiency with fewer materials while selecting materials with opposite stress properties improves the ease of stress management. However, more sophisticated techniques are needed to prepare these two structures. Furthermore, using fewer materials to achieve a better antireflection effect and reduce the impact of stress on the coatings is a research hotspot worthy of attention.

COMSOL multiphysics-based modeling approach to solar cell development

Solar cell development has been largely done by investigating how changes in the structural design of new materials will affect the cell’s performance. Although this process has been used for decades, it can sometimes be slow and expensive. Therefore, a new approach to solar cell development must be taken via simulations and modeling to enhance the cell performance. Simulations and modeling before actual fabrication have the added benefit of avoiding wastage of costly materials and time. This paper reviews the various types of solar cells and discusses the latest developments in the photovoltaic field. It also expounds how modeling solar cells before the developmental phase is beneficial with a focus on COMSOL Multiphysics describing how it is particularly advantageous.

One-step synthesis of SiO2 nanomesh for antireflection and self-cleaning of solar cell

SiO2 nanomaterials are widely used for antireflection and self-cleaning, but the preparation process is usually complex and time-consuming. Hence, we present a facile one-step synthesis of a hydrophobic two-dimensional SiO2 nanomesh by tuning the reaction temperature using dodecylamine as a catalyst. SiO2 nanomesh has the advantages of an adjustable refractive index, simple preparation process, and low cost, which affords both antireflection and self-cleaning functions for solar cells. Two types of perovskite solar cells were used to verify the stability and universality of the SiO2 nanomesh coatings. The antireflection effect of the SiO2 nanomesh is found to increase the current density of both perovskite solar cells fabricated at 500 °C and 150 °C, with the efficiency increased by 4.48% and 4.79%, respectively.

Usage of CuO in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells and CuO-Based Dyesensitized Solar Cells: A Review

Copper oxide (CuO) semiconductor has been used as an enhancer to the efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Since DSSC are promising due to their advantageous properties. Many pieces of research have been done to improve their efficiency. It is noticeable that with using CuO within a composite of DSSC that their efficiency drastically rises. However, there have been many challenges to deal with optimizing the growth conditions such as the layer thickness, temperature, and the choice of dyes, electrolytes, substrate, and growth technique. The article provides the first survey of CuO-based DSSCs and highlights the usage of CuO in this type of solar cells. The merits of CuO photoanode and counter electrode. The relationship between many parameters and the efficiency of the solar cell with suggested factors as appropriate are tackled in this review. Emphasizing the best conditions to improve the performance of a CuO in DSSC has been concluded. All papers that directly deal with CuO usage in DSSC are cited. An investigation for the dyes and electrolytes used for CuO-based DSSCs which recorded higher efficiencies.