Time-varying, ray tracing irradiance simulation approach for photovoltaic systems in complex scenarios with decoupled geometry, optical properties and illumination conditions

The accurate computation of the irradiance incident on the surface of photovoltaic modules is crucial for the simulation of the energy yield of a photovoltaic system. Depending on the geometrical complexity of the surroundings, different approaches are commonly employed to calculate the irradiance on the photovoltaic system. In this article,...

Doped nanocrystalline silicon oxide for use as (intermediate) reflecting layers in thin-film silicon solar cells

In summary, this thesis shows the development and nanostructure analysis of doped silicon oxide layers. These layers are applied in thin-film silicon single and double junction solar cells. Concepts of intermediate reflectors (IR), consisting of silicon and/or zinc oxide, are applied in tandem cells. Multi-stack Bragg reflector IRs are tested in...

Micro-textures for efficient light trapping and improved electrical performance in thin-film nanocrystalline silicon solar cells