Geometrical optimisation of core-shell nanowire arrays for enhanced absorption in thin crystalline silicon heterojunction solar cells

Background: Elongated nanostructures, such as nanowires, have attracted significant attention for application in silicon-based solar cells. The high aspect ratio and characteristic radial junction configuration can lead to higher device performance, by increasing light absorption and, at the same time, improving the collection efficiency of...

Quadruple-Junction Thin-Film Silicon-Based Solar Cells

The direct utilization of sunlight is a critical energy source in a sustainable future. One of the options is to convert the solar energy into electricity using thin-film silicon-based solar cells (TFSSCs). Solar cells in a triple-junction configuration have exhibited the highest energy conversion efficiencies within the thin-film silicon...

Thin-film amorphous silicon germanium solar cells with p-and n-type hydrogenated silicon oxide layers

Mixed-phase hydrogenated silicon oxide (SiOx:H) is applied to thin-film hydrogenated amorphous silicon germanium (a-SiGe:H) solar cells serving as both p-doped and n-doped layers. The bandgap of p-SiOx:H is adjusted to achieve a highly-transparent window layer while also providing a strong electric field. Bandgap grading of n-SiOx:H is designed...

Too Many Junctions?: A Case Study of Multijunction Thin-Film Silicon Solar Cells

The benefit of two-terminal multijunction solar cells in regard to the number<br/>of junctions (subcells) is critically evaluated. The optical and electrical losses<br/>inherent in the construction of multijunction cells are analyzed using information<br/>from thin-film silicon photovoltaics as a representative case. Although<br/>the...