Perovskite/silicon (PS) technology includes three main configurations: two-terminal (2T), three-terminal (3T), and four-terminal (4T). Previous studies have made various comparisons between these configurations, significantly advancing our understanding of these devices. While these studies mostly focus on simulations on cell level, we perform bandgap energy ((Formula presented.)) optimization at the module level for different configurations under outdoor conditions. Using opto-electrical simulations, we predict the energy yield of each module at four geographical locations, with varying values of (Formula presented.). The optimal (Formula presented.) for the 2T, 3T, and 4T modules are 1.62, 1.80, and 1.82 eV, respectively. We also perform a loss analysis to explore the differences in power losses among the configurations. These loss differences can be attributed to the configurations having different optimal (Formula presented.) values (affecting the thermalization losses) or different module designs (affecting the interconnection losses). Among all losses, mismatch losses play the most critical role in optimizing the bandgap. Overall, all optimized configurations have similar energy yields (all differences within 1.5%) across all locations. Finally, we compare the robustness of the different configurations against different scenarios of perovskite degradation. Our results show that the 4T module is the least sensitive to degradation in the perovskite subcell.

Photovoltaic (PV) system performance is linked to climatic conditions in which the system operates. This leads to the Köppen-Geiger-Photovoltaic (KGPV) climate classification. KGPV is created by overlaying four irradiation levels with the commonly used Köppen-Geiger climate zones. Potential drawbacks of this approach are that the climate features are not considered in a combined manner in the sorting process and that the KGPV zones inherent a dependence on precipitation. We propose a machine-learning approach to address this deficiencies and improve PV climate classification. First, supervised learning is used to evaluate the correlation between climate features and a PV system's specific energy yield. We find that the inclusion of the darkest and brightest irradiation months as well as UV irradiation improves accuracy, while wind speed, relative humidity, precipitation and annual mean daily temperature difference have little impact on accuracy. Subsequently, k-means clustering combined with comprehensive qualitative analysis, identifies a PV classification based on seven climate features and 21 clusters. A mountainous climate characterized by moderate to low temperature and high irradiation is uncovered compared to KGPV. Moreover, this new PV climate classification reduces the sum of squared errors by 58 % compared to KGPV clearly signifying a more accurate PV climate classification approach.

The current industrial standard photovoltaic (PV) modules are dominated by crystalline-silicon (c-Si) PV technology, which cannot be easily recycled. This has generated worldwide concerns regarding the scarcity of critical raw materials and large waste streams of PV modules in the coming years. To overcome this problem, a lot of ongoing research focuses on upscaling the recycling process of present c-Si module designs by chemical, thermal and mechanical processes. Alternative research focuses on the development of new PV modules with enhanced circularity by design. In this work, we propose a new circular PV module design based on liquid-encapsulation technology in which silicon solar cells are encapsulated with a suitable liquid and an edge sealant instead of a polymer sheet. Our optical studies show that the selected liquids exhibit similar optical performance to ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) due to their comparable refractive indices. We fabricate one-cell prototypes and observe comparable efficiency of liquid-encapsulated and EVA-encapsulated modules, signifying recyclable module design without an additional efficiency loss. To validate the module performance, we also simulate the optical performance of modules with different encapsulation materials. Furthermore, the new modules retained more than 95% of their efficiency after inducing accelerated ageing through damp heat, thermal cycling and humidity freeze tests, indicating the liquids as an excellent encapsulant material for PV. In the end, we disassemble the liquid-filled PV module and show the recovered components, which can directly be reused in new products. Therefore, this modular design bypasses the recycling process. Even more promising, the liquid encapsulation can improve the stability of perovskite/c-Si tandem solar cells due to the moisture barrier, which will be studied in the future. Adding further possibilities, in principle, with additional engineering, the liquid encapsulation could be used in a heat loop to turn the PV module into a photovoltaic-thermal (PV-T) module, thereby boosting the efficiency potential beyond that of traditional PV concept.

Sequential thermal evaporation is an emerging technique for obtaining perovskite (PVK) photoactive materials for solar cell applications. Advantages include solvent-free processing, accurate stoichiometry control, and scalable processing. Nevertheless, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of PVK solar cells (PSCs) fabricated by evaporation still lags behind that of solution-processed PSCs. Here, based on multi-cycle sequential thermal evaporation, we systematically investigate the effects of the post-deposition annealing temperature on the PVK properties in terms of surface morphology, opto-electronic properties, and device performance. We find that the average grain size increases to almost 1 μm and charge carrier mobilities exceed 50 cm2 V−1 s−1 when the annealing temperature is increased to 170 °C. We introduce a trace of PbCl2 to the multi-cycle sequential deposition to improve the absorber crystallinity at a lower annealing temperature of 150 °C, as evidenced by the XRD and PL analyses. The resulting PSC in a p–i–n structure yields a PCE of 18.5% with a cell area of 0.09 cm2. With the same deposition parameters, the cell area is scaled up to 0.36 cm2, achieving champion PCEs of 17.06%. This indicates the great potential of this technology for the commercialization of PSCs in the future.

Optimizing the deposition parameters in the fabrication of passivating contacts for crystalline silicon solar cells is critical for improving efficiency. This study explored the influence of varying RF power of Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) on the quality of hydrogenated intrinsic amorphous silicon ( a-Si:H) films. The aim is to manufacture in-situ phosphorous-doped poly-Si/SiO_x/c-Si passivating contacts with a-Si:H as buffer layer between the tunnelling oxide and the n-type poly-Si. The microstructure factor of our intrinsic layers increases from 0.176 to 0.804, that is from higher to lower film density, as the RF power increases from 5 W to 55 W. Analysis using X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Optical Microscopy indicates that the Si content in SiO_x is correlated with the formation of pinholes. Our detailed analysis showed that varying the RF power when depositing a-Si:H contacting layer is crucial in altering both the Si⁴⁺ content in SiO_x and the pinhole density, due to the interplay between the plasma etching and the buffering effects during of the a-Si:H layer growth. Notably, the sample processed with 25 W exhibited the maximum pinhole density, the lowest Si⁴⁺ content in SiO_x and the deepest phosphorus in-diffusion, potentially yielding superior results in passivation quality and contact resistivity under optimized PECVD conditions.

In this study, a modeling methodology is presented for evaluating the performance of a hybrid system integrating different types of solar collectors, namely photovoltaic (PV), glazed flat plate solar thermal (ST) and unglazed photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) collectors to harvest solar energy. Further, the system is integrated with a seasonal storage that is an aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES) system, a heat exchanger and a heat pump (HP) to provide heating, including space heating (SH), domestic hot water (DHW), as well as cooling. The investigation considers various operational modes depending on the climate conditions and building characteristics. The study focuses on comparison of solar collectors in realistic scenarios, examining heating type and insulation levels. Real energy consumption data considering five residential buildings in Amsterdam is employed for the analysis. Annual simulations for the considered buildings are conducted for SH and DHW coverage, along with cooling. The results indicate that ATES combined with glazed ST collectors demonstrates superior heat storage while HP with PV/ST combination and floor heating achieves an average coefficient of performance (COP) of 6.09 for both SH and DHW. In contrast, HP combined with PVTs shows the lowest performance, with a COP of around 5 when used with radiator heating. Additionally, majority of the demand is covered using HP storage mode with seasonal storage and HP while building insulation plays a crucial role.

The uncertainty surrounding land availability for renewable energy deployment is a growing concern, creating a strong need for alternative solutions. In recent years, offshore floating photovoltaic (OFPV) systems have shown great promise in meeting global energy demands without competing for land resources. With ambitious targets like 3 GW in The Netherlands by 2030 and global projections exceeding 20 GW, OFPVs are emerging as a key solution at this critical juncture in energy transition. The significance of this technology is also reflected in the 95% increase in research outputs over the past five years. Despite this growth, insights remain scattered, with limited understanding of both the technology and performance. This review fills this gap by providing a comprehensive overview of OFPV systems, addressing both technical and performance aspects. Specifically, the objectives are to: provide detailed information about technology readiness levels, real-world deployments, and a new classification matrix to categorize different OFPV designs; identify key processes like dynamic motion, cooling, optical changes, and long-term degradation that impact energy yield (EY); and quantify the impact of each process on EY based on reported data. The findings reveal that dynamic motion (-0.4% to -15%) and long-term degradation (-2% to -20%) generally reduce EY, while cooling (-4% to +20%) and optical effects (-40% to +5%) can enhance or reduce EY depending on operating conditions. While these insights are crucial, several challenges remain, with the most pressing being the need to standardize measurement and modeling techniques for EY prediction to propel OFPVs towards large-scale commercialization.

At standard test conditions (STC), the performance of photovoltaic modules is compared using efficiency. As irradiance and module temperature fluctuate over the year and STC efficiency does not assess the performance of the module accurately in real world conditions, the annual energy yield is used instead as performance metric. Perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells are being massively researched and sought after in PV industry for their efficiency well above 34% with further growth perspective. In this work, to evaluate and compare performance of different perovskite/silicon tandem photovoltaic (PV) modules based on different bottom cell technologies, we use a hybrid modelling approach. Such approach, combining experimentally obtained and simulated current-voltage curves, flexibly predicts the annual energy yield of novel tandem PV modules via our PVMD toolbox and enables their optimization in any location. In particular, considering (i) mono- and bi-facial architectures, (ii) 2-terminal and 4-terminal module configurations, and (iii) silicon heterojunction or novel poly-SiOx passivated c-Si solar bottom cells, we compare the annual energy yield of different perovskite/silicon tandem modules and we optimize their performance in different locations with respect to different perovskite thickness and bandgaps

Throughout the development of silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells, the transparent conductive oxide has been regarded as an essential component of their front electrode, facilitating lateral charge transport of photogenerated carriers toward the front metal grid fingers. In rear junction (RJ)-SHJ solar cells, the (n)c-Si bulk is known to support the lateral electron transport at maximum power point injection level, provided that the contact resistance of the front contact stack is sufficiently low. This enables experimental RJ-SHJ solar cell architectures featuring a localized front carrier-selective passivating contact exclusively covering the area contacted by the metal grid. Herein, a top-down approach to the synthesis of this type of architecture is studied and its optical and electrical performance applied to different (n)-type contacts are investigated. Additionally, the potential of the localized contact architecture through Cu-plated RJ-SHJ solar cells is demonstrated. These solar cell demonstrators feature high short-circuit current density of 40.5 mA cm−2, without significantly compromising their open-circuit voltage or fill factor, enabling efficiencies well above 23%, a 2%abs improvement compared to their state before localization of the front contact.

Polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si) carrier-selective passivating contacts (CSPCs), featuring high photoconversion efficiency (PCE) and cost-effectiveness, have emerged as a promising approach for high-efficiency crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar cells. To minimize parasitic absorption losses induced by doped poly-Si window layers, wide bandgap oxygen-alloyed poly-Si (poly-SiO_x) layers are developed. However, challenges persist in achieving excellent surface passivation for boron-doped poly-SiO_x contact stacks, likely caused by boron diffusion during annealing and the reduced doping concentration resulting from lower crystallinity as oxygen content increases. In this study, we investigate the impact on the passivating contact structure and solar cell performance of a 10-nm thick intrinsic hydrogenated amorphous silicon buffer layer with varying oxygen content (a-Si (O_x):H) deposited by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), and placed between the tunneling silicon oxide (SiO_x) and the poly-SiO_x (p⁺). After the hydrogenation step, we obtain both high passivation quality with implied open circuit voltage (iV_oc) of 728.3 mV and low contact resistivity (ρ_c) of 59.18 mΩ cm² on polished surface for oxygen-free a-Si:H buffer layer. These improvements can be attributed to the appropriate thickness of the tunnel oxide and confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images, to higher crystallinity of the buffer layer, which facilitates more efficient doping in the buffer layer. This is evidenced by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results. At the device level, a front-side textured, rear-side flat, rear junction poly-SiO_x/poly-SiO_x solar cell on n-type c-Si wafer, an efficiency improvement can be observed from 3.55 % without a PECVD buffer layer to 18.9 % with an oxygen-free a-Si:H PECVD buffer layer. The impact of the buffer layer crystallinity on cell performance is further demonstrated by deploying a 10-nm thick LPCVD buffer layer, which facilitates an efficiency of 21.15 % for the same device structure.

This article introduces an innovative parallel differential power processing (PDPP) architecture designed to mitigate the effect of mismatch among photovoltaic (PV) strings. The proposed PV to virtual bus PDPP architecture leverages a virtual bus as the input for all string-level converters. Notably, this approach allows for a reduction in the voltage rating of components since the virtual bus voltage can be set lower than the main bus or PV strings voltage. In this architecture, crucial requirements for the string-level converters (SLCs) include the capability to generate positive and negative output voltages and to provide isolation. To fulfill these requirements, a dual active bridge converter connected to a bridgeless converter as the PDPP SLCs is considered. In this architecture, while SLCs ensure maximum power point tracking (MPPT) for each PV string using conventional MPPT algorithms, the central converter controls the virtual bus voltage. Experimental results validate the performance of the proposed PV to virtual bus PDPP architecture with a system efficiency ranging from 96.4% to 99%.

This work presents a novel approach to studying, simulating, and modeling the graphene–silicon interface in Schottky diodes by integrating quantum-mechanical and device-level analyses. Such devices hold great performance potential in photodetecting, energy-harvesting, and sensing applications. Quantum-mechanical calculations determine key structural and electronic properties, such as the work function and effective mass, which are critical for understanding the interface’s behavior. These parameters are then incorporated into finite-element simulations, solving the Poisson and Continuity equations to develop a subthreshold and reverse bias model for the graphene/p-type silicon Schottky device. The model characterizes J–V curves, identifying dominant electron transport mechanisms like thermionic emission and diffusion at varying recombination velocities. It also sheds light on the image-force lowering effect, which significantly impacts current density, especially under reverse bias conditions, by modulating the Schottky barrier height.

The model is validated by comparing the model with experimental data from graphene–silicon photodetectors, demonstrating its accuracy in predicting device performance. This approach offers valuable insights into optimizing any kind of Schottky diodes. By effectively bridging quantum-mechanical theory with practical device performance, the model proves to be a powerful tool for designing advanced semiconductor devices with enhanced efficiency and functionality, ensuring consistency from the atomistic to the device level.

Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) are integral to achieving sustainable urban development by enhancing energy self-sufficiency and reducing carbon emissions. This paper explores energy balance calculations in four diverse case study districts within different climatic conditions—Fiat Village in Settimo Torinese (Italy), Großschönau (Austria), Beursplain in Amsterdam (Netherlands), and Lunca Pomostului in Reşiţa (Romania)—as part of the SIMPLY Positive project. Each district faces unique challenges, such as outdated infrastructure or heritage protection, which we address through tailored strategies including building renovations and the integration of renewable energy systems. Additionally, we employ advanced simulation methodologies to assess energy performance. Simulation results highlight the significance of innovative technologies like photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) systems, application of demand-side actions, and flexible grid usage. Furthermore, mobility assessments and resident-driven initiatives demonstrate the critical role of community engagement in reducing carbon footprints. This study underscores the adaptability of PED frameworks across varied urban contexts and provides actionable insights for scaling similar strategies globally, supporting net-zero energy targets.

Solar farm installers generally struggle with the allocation of irradiance sensors throughout the plant area, which are essential for monitoring purposes. Despite the existence of the International Electrotechnical Commission guidelines for photovoltaic (PV) plant monitoring, no specific guidance is provided when it comes to allocating sensors. This can be especially problematic for solar farms in hilly terrain. In this work, a software tool is built to allocate horizontal and in-plane irradiance sensors. Additionally, advice on the optimum number of sensors and the prevented error is provided based on the layout of the farm. The methodology consists of calculating the irradiance at every point of the solar farm area and finding the one closest to the average. This average is computed differently depending on the sensor type and monitoring purpose. A modification of the BRL irradiance decomposition model is also proposed to reduce the bias of the original model. The software has been applied to two case studies of existing solar farms in hilly areas in Greece and Germany, showing its applicability for real case scenarios in different climates and geological landscapes. The runtime of the software tool is mainly a function of solar farm size and the land morphology of its location. This methodology has been only developed for monofacial fixed-tilted PV farms.

Photovoltaic modules are typically not optimized for conditions of partial shading. One proposed approach to improve their shade tolerance is to implement maximum power point tracking on different strings of cells within the modules. However, this approach increases the demand for sub-module power converters, which poses a challenge. To address this, researchers have suggested integrating power electronic components directly into the module laminate, or even within the solar cells themselves. Despite these advancements, limited research has focused on integrating the most bulky component: the inductor. This study investigates through simulations whether planar air-core inductors can yield the required properties to support sub-module power conversion. The simulated inductors have an area that is as large as an industrial crystalline silicon solar cell. First, it is shown how the interplay between the different design parameters, such as track spacing, track width, number of turns, and middle gap size, plays an important role in the inductor properties at high frequency. The coil geometries that are simulated yield inductance values between 0.3 μH and 3.2 μH. Subsequently, the feasibility of implementing these inductors into an exemplary DC–DC boost converter is evaluated. To adequately reduce the ripple current, a significant switching frequency of at least several hundred kHz is required. Additionally, at 500 kHz, an inductor thickness of around 0.5 mm is necessary to keep the ohmic losses in the inductor below 2% of the total generated power in standard test conditions. While demonstrating feasible combinations, these findings also present significant challenges.

A thorough understanding of the small-signal response of solar cells can reveal intrinsic device characteristics and pave the way for innovations. This study investigates the impedance of crystalline silicon PN junction devices using TCAD simulations, focusing on the impact of frequency, bias voltage, and the presence of a low–high (LH) junction. It is shown that the PN junction exhibits the behavior of a parallel resistor–capacitor circuit (RC-loop) with fixed element values at low frequencies, but undergoes relaxation in both resistance R_j and capacitance C_j as frequency increases. Moreover, it is revealed that the addition of a LH junction impacts the impedance by altering R_j, C_j, and the series resistance R_s. Finally, while various publications on solar-cell impedance model the LH junction using an RC-loop, the findings in this study indicate that such a model does not accurately represent the underlying physics. Instead, this approach is likely compensating for the frequency-dependent behavior of R_j and C_j.

Integrating photovoltaic (PV) systems in urban areas enhances local renewable electricity production but also reduces surface albedo due to the lower reflectivity of PV panels. This albedo reduction increases Earth's energy absorption, resulting in positive radiative forcing (RF), while the displacement of fossil fuels by PV electricity leads to negative RF through avoided CO₂ emissions. This study quantifies the net RF impact of urban rooftop PV deployment using a novel workflow. This proposed workflow combines: (1) a geometric spectral albedo (GSA) model, using LiDAR data and geo-referenced material maps to simulate albedo changes before and after PV integration; and (2) a simplified skyline-based PV model, using LiDAR-derived roof geometry to estimate annual PV electricity generation. The method is applied to the city of Delft, the Netherlands, and the average simulated albedo of Delft is 0.1584, differing by 6.12 % from MODIS observations (0.1493). Full PV integration on all rooftops reduces the city-wide albedo to 0.1557, corresponding to a positive RF of 3.53×10⁻⁸ W/m². This can be offset in about 40 days by negative RF from PV electricity, assuming a grid carbon intensity of 454 gCO₂-eq/kWh. However, under a low-carbon grid scenario (30 gCO₂-eq/kWh), the payback time increases to 623 days, indicating that positive RF from albedo reduction becomes more relevant in future decarbonized scenarios. This study contributes to understanding the climatic implications of urban PV deployment and offers insights into the realistic potential of PV systems in mitigating climate change.

Crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar cells are rapidly establishing new efficiency frontiers, with front/back-contacted (FBC) designs now exceeding 26.8 % power conversion efficiency (PCE) and interdigitated back-contacted (IBC) cells surger limitepassing 27 %. This progress is driving a shift from traditional FBC PERC architectures to high-performance TOPCon, SHJ, and IBC configurations, with carrier-selective contacts (CSCs) at the core of these breakthroughs. In this work, we identify three critical factors underpinning CSC effectiveness: the work function of contact layers, energy barriers at heterointerfaces, and energy alignment across the stack of layers forming the CSC. By using advanced numerical simulations, we establish a framework for evaluating and optimizing CSC designs, including state-of-the-art poly-Si, SHJ, and dopant-free structures. We also introduce novel architectures based on TCO materials with potentially simpler manufacturing processes. Our simulations reveal that advanced FBC structures, can reach PCEs up to 28 % deploying localized CSCs architecture. In optimized IBC configurations, efficiencies as high as 28.64 % are achievable. For both, FBC and IBC configurations patterning limitations remain a barrier to theoretical efficiency peaks. Future advances in precision patterning could further close this gap, pushing c-Si solar cells closer to their intrinsic limits. This study provides a roadmap for high-efficiency CSC integration in next-generation c-Si solar cells, establishing pathways to achieve performance over 28 % and accelerating the evolution of photovoltaic technology.

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the optical and electronic properties of thin films of molybdenum oxide and tungsten oxide to implement hole-selective contact for heterojunction solar cells. These contacts are currently viewed as an alternative for the fabrication of doping-free solar cells. However, the spreading of this technology is still limited due to the development of S-shaped J-V curves, which affect the electrical performance of the cells, and further optimization in the material deposition process is therefore crucial to overcome these challenges. To improve transition metal oxide-based heterojunction technology, this work investigates the impact of oxygen vacancies on electrical performance, particularly their role in S-shaped J-V curves. Defect density evaluation through nondestructive techniques like photothermal deflection spectroscopy together with a detailed experimental characterization is presented in this paper to highlight the structural and optical properties of the films. Prototypes of solar cells incorporating hole-selective contacts with tungsten and molybdenum oxide are prepared to show S-shaped J-V characteristics under AM 1.5 illumination. An equivalent circuit modeling was used for understanding the electrical characteristics of the prototypes. Furthermore, this approach offers insights into the optimization of the performances of devices.

In the quest for advancing photovoltaic efficiency, the adoption of multijunction solar cell architectures has emerged as a promising approach. Perovskite/silicon double-junction solar cells have already achieved efficiencies surpassing 33%, exceeding the theoretical efficiency limit for single-junction devices. To enhance efficiency even further, exploring perovskite/perovskite/silicon (PPS) triple-junction solar cells seems a logical next step, as they offer the potential to further reduce thermalization losses and achieve even higher efficiencies. This study delves into the potential of various configurations of PPS modules, exploring different subcell interconnections. Initially, we present an optoelectrical model to simulate the performance of these devices, incorporating both luminescence coupling and cell-to-module losses. This enables us to optimize the bandgap energy of the top and middle perovskite subcells under both standard test conditions (STC) and outdoor conditions. Our analysis reveals that the addition of a perovskite subcell can improve the STC efficiency up to 9%–13%. This gain in STC performance also translates into a similar gain in energy yield, meaning that triple-junction devices produce 8%–14% more electricity than their double-junction reference devices.