Efficiency enhancement of CIGS solar cell by WS2 as window layer through numerical modelling tool. (1st September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sobayel, K.; Shahinuzzaman, M.; Amin, N.; Karim, M.R.; Dar, M.A.; Gul, R.; Alghoul, M.A.; Sopian, K.; Hasan, A.K.M.; Akhtaruzzaman, Md.
• Is Part Of: Solar energy. Volume 207(2020)
• Page Start: 479
• Page End: 485
• Publication Date: 2020-09-01
• Subjects: CIGS -- WS2 -- Solar cell -- Band offset -- Defect state -- Solar cell capacitance simulator; Solar energy -- Periodicals; Solar engines -- Periodicals; 621.47
• DOI: 10.1016/j.solener.2020.07.007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0038-092X

Abstract

Highlights: This work emphasizes on modelling of TMDC material, WS2, as a potential window layer material for CIGS solar cell. So far none has reported on proposed new CIGS/WS2 structure. This research identifies the impact of interface defect state on the photovoltaic parameters of CIGS/WS2 solar cell and evaluates the tolerance of defect by numerical simulation. This research paves the way for WS2 thin film as a potential window layer material for CIGS solar cells. Abstract: Device modelling of copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) solar cell with tungsten di-suphide (WS2 ) as a window layer has been carried out in order to achieve higher conversion efficiency. Conversion efficiency for all band-gap energies of CIGS were calculated based on proposed new CIGS/WS2 structure. Numerical modelling tools were used to investigate the effects conduction band offset and interface defect state on the photovoltaic parameters of CIGS/WS2 solar cell. The model predicts the density of defect tolerance in the interface is 1 × 10 11 cm 3 . Based on optimization, the highest efficiency of 26.4% has been achieved for CIGS/WS2 solar cell with Eg(CIGS) = 1.4 eV (Voc = 1.026 V, Jsc = 29.57 mA/cm 2 and FF = 86.96%) which is better than that of CIGS (23.4%) solar cell. The simulation further identifies that proposed CIGS/WS2 structure is less temperature sensitive compared to conventional Si solar cell. This research paves the way for WS2 thin film as a potential window layer material for CIGS solar cells.