Hello Solar Enthusiasts!
Today, I’m going to delve into a captivating topic – the utilization and optimization of tandem solar cells, specifically monolithic perovskite/CIGS tandem solar cells. This is a matter of interest to many solar companies and anyone invested in solar technology, especially those considering solar panels for their home.
A research team from Delft University of Technology, along with other Dutch and American associates, has set out a pathway towards maximizing the efficiency of these cells, aiming for a practical limit of up to an impressive 26.69%.
To truly grasp the intricacies of the cells, the team used TCAD Sentaurus and GenPro4 modeling software to run optical and electrical simulations. This process allowed them a peek under the hood to understand the inherent loss mechanisms and, imperative to their research, pointed out several measures to enhance efficiency.
Unlike other studies, this team’s main focus centered on the core operating mechanisms of the layers that comprise the tunnel recombination junction (TRJ) and on evaluating coupling-related loss calculations. This is a unique angle that may eventually help to push forward the progress of solar array for home applications.
The researchers carried out a close examination of the energy alignment in TRJ layers. This dissection revealed the effect external parameters have on the introduced tandem solar cell, the exchange mechanisms between the top and bottom cells, and the resultant impact on the tandem system’s overall performance.
Next, they proposed a four-pronged strategy to boost performance:
1. Fine-tune the coupling tunneling junction between the two cells to improve and optimize energy alignment at TRJ.
2. Enhance light management by minimizing the current mismatch between the sub-cells and reducing reflectance losses.
3. Better the transport towards the tin oxide transport layer of the top cell. This proposed modification alone could result in an estimated efficiency rise from 24.37% to 25.13%.
4. Improve passivation in the top sub-cell.
If these modifications are employed effectively, our mathematical friends have calculated that the tandem cell could reach an efficiency of 26.69%. But that’s not all, further improvements, such as honing the absorber band gap energy or improving the passivation of the interface of CIGS and molybdenum layers, might lead to additional efficiency gains.
So, what does this groundbreaking research mean for you when considering solar companies or when planning a solar array for your home? It signifies the ongoing commitment to increasing the efficiency of solar panels, which directly translates to more energy generation and greater savings for you.
In short, with researchers hard at work to continually refine and advance solar technology, the future is looking bright, as should your home (given you’ve jumped on the solar bandwagon!)
Stay tuned for more updates on the exciting world of solar energy and advancements that continually reshape the solar industry. Until next time, keep soaking up the sun, friends!
Original Articlehttps://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/07/24/perovskite-cigs-tandem-solar-cells-have-technical-potential-to-achieve-26-69-efficiency/
