Efficient amorphous silicon solar cells: characterization, optimization, and optical loss analysis

Wayesh Qarony, Mohammad I. Hossain, M. Khalid Hossain, Uddin M. Jalal, A. Haque, A. R. Saad, Yuen Hong Tsang

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

65 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

To overcome such confinements, it is expected to adjust better comprehension of device structure, material properties, and qualities since a little enhancement in the photocurrent significantly impacts on the conversion efficiency. Herein, some numerical simulations were performed to characterize and optimize different configuration of amorphous silicon-based thin-film solar cells. For the optical simulation, two-dimensional finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) technique was used to analyze the superstrate (p-i-n) planar amorphous silicon solar cells. Besides, the front transparent contact layer was also inquired by using SnO2:F and ZnO:Al materials to improve the photon absorption in the photoactive layer. The cell was studied for open-circuit voltage, external quantum efficiency, and short-circuit current density, which are building blocks for solar cell conversion efficiency. The optical simulations permit investigating optical losses at the individual layers. The enhancement in both short-circuit current density and open-circuit voltage prompts accomplishing more prominent power conversion efficiency. A maximum short-circuit current density of 15.32 mA/cm2and an energy conversion efficiency of 11.3% were obtained for the optically optimized cell which is the best in class amorphous solar cell.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)4287-4293
Number of pages7
JournalResults in Physics
Volume7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2017

Keywords

  • FDTD
  • Power loss
  • Quantum efficiency
  • Short circuit current
  • Superstrate p-i-n

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physics and Astronomy(all)

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Efficient amorphous silicon solar cells: characterization, optimization, and optical loss analysis'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this