Periodic nano‐textures enhance efficiency in multi‐junction silicon thin‐film solar cells. Issue 1 (11th August 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Meier, Matthias; Paetzold, Ulrich W.; Ghosh, Michael; van Erven, Rob
• Is Part Of: Physica status solidi. Volume 212:Issue 1(2015:Jan.)
• Page Start: 30
• Page End: 35
• Publication Date: 2014-08-11
• Subjects: Solid state physics -- Periodicals; Solids -- Industrial applications -- Periodicals; 530.41
• DOI: 10.1002/pssa.201431112
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1862-6300

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="pssa201431112-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <p>In this work, we report on the prototyping of thin‐film silicon tandem solar cells with periodic light‐trapping textures. Our approach combines an industrial applicable nano‐imprint process, for the fabrication of advanced light management concepts, with state‐of‐the‐art thin film silicon solar cell technology. In a joint experimental effort between project partners of the European thin‐film silicon project "Fast‐Track", we demonstrate that optimal periodic light‐trapping nano‐textures at the front‐side of a multi‐junction solar cell enhance the power conversion efficiency of the device in comparison to solar cells with conventional textured TCO (transparent conductive oxide) front contacts from 11.7% to 12.1%. This improved power conversion efficiency is mainly driven by an enhancement of the short‐circuit current density through the use of periodic light‐trapping nano‐textures.</p> </sec> </abstract>