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Optimizing a Single-Absorption-Layer Thin-Film Solar Cell1 Model to Achieve 31% Efficiency
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering/Space Systems Academic Group, Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, USA
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering/Space Systems Academic Group, Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, USA
- 1 Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering/Space Systems Academic Group, Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, USA
- 2 Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering/Space Systems Academic Group, Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, USA
Journal of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering·Volume 05 (2017)·Pages 54–60·Published 4 January 2017·DOI10.4236/msce.2017.51008
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Abstract
This research builds upon the authors’ previous work that introduced and modeled a novel Gallium-Arsenide, Emitterless, Back-surface Alternating Contact (GaAs-EBAC) thin-film solar cell to achieve >30% power conversion efficiency. Key design parameters are optimized under an Air-Mass (AM) 1.5 spectrum to improve performance and approach the 33.5% theoretical efficiency limit. A second optimization is performed under an AM0 spectrum to examine the cell’s potential for space applications. This research demonstrates the feasibility and potential of a new thin-film solar cell design for terrestrial and space applications. Results suggest that the straight-forward design may be an inexpensive alternative to multi-junction solar cells.
KeywordsThin-FilmSolar CellBack-ContactsGallium-ArsenideModeling
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