Optical Simulation and Analysis of Iso-textured Silicon Solar Cells and Modules Including Light Trapping

Abstract

Solar cells made from multicrystalline silicon (mc-Si) wafers play an important role in photovoltaics. Nevertheless, tools for the optical simulation of these devices are scarce. In the present work, the reflectance and charge carrier generation of mc-Si cells and modules are for the first time simulated successfully in the complete spectral range including light trapping and escape light, as the comparison with measured reflectance of the finished cells and mini-modules shows. The "spherical caps" geometry is used to model the front surface reflection of iso-textured silicon solar cells. The characteristic angles of the spherical caps are determined from the reflectance of iso-textured wafers for three different texture strengths. Based on this calibration, the reflectance and charge carrier generation rates of cells encapsulated with EVA and glass are simulated and analysed. Iso-textured cells with full-area aluminium back surface field (Al-BSF) and with passivated emitter and rear (PERC) are quantitatively compared regarding the photo-generated current density j Ph . The simulations demonstrate that the direct cell-to-module loss of iso-textured mc-Si cells with Al-BSF (0.7 mA/cm²) is smaller than for PERC cells (1.2 mA/cm²).

Input Parameters for the Simulation of Silicon Solar Cells in 2014

“…Although this surface topology is rather irregular and depends strongly on the manufacturing process, it is possible to quantify the photogeneration and parasitic absorption of the cell with standard ray tracing, assuming a 3-D symmetry element with a top shape of a spherical cap spanning a characteristic angle [33]- [35]. The rear interface is approximated with a planar geometry, causing a moderate amount of scattering described with Phong's model [36].…”

Tailoring potentials by simulation-aided design of gate layouts for spin qubit applications

“…To this end, simulations are needed to predict functionalities and finally increase the feedback cycle from device measurement to fabrication. Simulation tools are extensively used throughout the advanced semiconductor industry for high complexity devices, as for example technology computer-aided design which is used for transistor, photo detector and miniature solar cell designs [19][20][21].…”

Modeling and simulation of high-efficiency GaAs PIN solar cells

“…At higher voltages it becomes comparable to recombination current resulting from carrier injection from outside the junction. [29][30][31][32].…”