Bifacial CdTe Solar Cells with Copper Chromium Oxide Back‐Buffer Layer. Issue 11 (1st September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pokhrel, Dipendra; Mathew, Xavier; Khanal Subedi, Kamala; Patel, Aesha; Phillips, Adam B.; Bastola, Ebin; Abudulimu, Abasi; Jamarkattel, Manoj K.; Rijal, Suman; Quader, Abdul; Friedl, Jared; Zawisza, Zachary; Yan, Yanfa; Heben, Michael J.; Ellingson, Randy J.
• Is Part Of: Solar RRL. Volume 6:Issue 11(2022)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2022-09-01
• Subjects: back-buffer layers -- bifacial cells -- CdTe -- copper chromium oxide; Solar energy -- Periodicals; Photovoltaic power generation -- Periodicals; Solar energy -- Research -- Periodicals; Photovoltaic power generation -- Research -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 333.7923
• DOI: 10.1002/solr.202200501
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2367-198X

Abstract

Abstract : Bifacial solar cells have the potential to maintain energy output higher than monofacial devices under unfavorable weather conditions. A transparent back‐buffer layer which can passivate the interface and improve the minority carrier lifetime is critical in CdTe‐based bifacial devices. Herein, solution‐processed Cu x Cr y O z as a promising back‐buffer for CdTe/CdS solar cells is demonstrated. The carrier lifetimes measured at the front and back of the device are 31.2 and 3.1 ns, respectively, which correspond to an increase of ≈38% and 138%, respectively, compared to the reference device. This dramatic improvement in lifetime results in a 100% increase in short‐circuit current measured with backside illumination. The best bifacial device has efficiencies 7.6% and 12.5%, respectively, from back and front illumination, yielding a bifaciality factor of 0.60. Abstract : Cadmium telluride solar cells show poor bifacial performance when designed with a transparent back interface. The benefits of solving this challenge include substantial additional low‐carbon energy production from every CdTe array. Use of a back interface layer based on copper chromium oxide yields bifacial operation closer to the ideal, suggesting the presence of a back contact with significantly improved passivation.