Comparison and optimization of randomly textured surfaces in thin-film solar cells

Abstract

Using rigorous diffraction theory we investigate the scattering properties of various random textures currently used for photon management in thin-film solar cells. We relate the haze and the angularly resolved scattering function of these cells to the enhancement of light absorption. A simple criterion is derived that provides an explanation why certain textures operate more beneficially than others. Using this criterion we propose a generic surface profile that outperforms the available substrates. This work facilitates the understanding of the effect of randomly textured surfaces and provides guidelines towards their optimization.

Resonances and absorption enhancement in thin film silicon solar cells with periodic interface texture

“…Based on such techniques, significant absorption enhancement has been predicted for binary and ideally blazed gratings; [29][30][31] tailoring of surface textures for solar cells is still a rather young field. 32 Moreover, not all theoretically imaginable shapes are also feasible for solar cell processing. Figure 1 illustrates that pointed structures will become rounded, whereas valleys tend to develop a deep pinch, which is undesirable in terms of electric performance.…”

UV-nanoimprint lithography and large area roll-to-roll texturization with hyperbranched polymer nanocomposites for light-trapping applications

“…The addition of nanoscale textures to the back reflector of a photovoltaic (PV) device is a way to enhance light absorption while keeping the active material thickness to its minimum [1,2]. The principle is to manipulate the direction of the light reflected from the back surface to increase its path length inside the device.…”

Improving solar cell efficiency with optically optimised TCO layers

“…In the case of the TCO/absorber, interface scattering is not problematic as any forward scattered light still reaches the absorber. The change can even be desirable, as the optical path length within the absorber increases for the scattered light [7,34]. It is often reported, that the increase in efficiency for a rough TCO/absorber interface is caused by multiple reflections similar to the case of large scale textured front surfaces or crystalline silicon textures [35].…”