A computationally efficient simulation method for optimizing front contacts of concentrator multijunction solar cells

In this work, a novel multidiode model is proposed for optimizing the front grid of multijunction solar cells operating under concentration conditions. The model allows for quickly exploring the maximum achievable efficiency under a wide range of operating conditions and design parameters such as the redirecting capability, period and width of the fingers, the light concentration, and the metal and emitter sheet resistivity. The proposed multidiode model shows to be consistent with experimental data and with more complex modeling approaches such as the simulation program with integrated circuit emphasis (SPICE) model

A Computationally Efficient Multidiode Model for Optimizing the Front Grid of Multijunction Solar Cells under Concentration

We have developed a computationally efficient simulation model for the optimization of redirecting electrical front contacts for multijunction solar cells under concentration, and we present its validation by comparison with experimental literature results. The model allows for fast determination of the maximum achievable efficiency under a wide range of operating conditions and design parameters such as the contact finger redirecting capability, period and width of the fingers, the light concentration, and the metal and emitter sheet resistivity. At the example of a state-of-the-art four-junction concentrator solar cell, we apply our model to determine ideal operating conditions for front contacts with different light redirection capabilities. We find a 7% relative efficiency increase when enhancing the redirecting capabilities from 0% to 100%

Transparent, Conductive and Lightweight Superstrates for Perovskite Solar Cells and Modules

We have developed superstrates for perovskite solar cells that feature increased transparency and conductivity due to the incorporation of effectively transparent contacts (ETCs). They increase the short-circuit current density by more than 1 mA/cm2 compared to standard indium tin oxide (ITO) on glass superstrates. These ETC superstrates are composed of sodalime glass with a thin ( \sim 40 \mu \mathrm {m}) layer of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) that features triangular cross-section microscale grooves, which are infilled with a conductive silver ink and subsequently coated by a thin ( \sim 30 nm) ITO layer such that high lateral conductivity ( < 5 \Omega /sq) is achieved without altering the surface properties of standard perovskite superstrates