Quantifying the optical losses in back-contact solar cells

K. R. McIntosh, T. C. Kho, K. C. Fong, S. C. Baker-Finch, Y. Wan, N. Zin, E. T. Franklin, D. Wang, M. D. Abbott, N. E. Grant, E. Wang, M. Stocks, A. W. Blakers

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

    30 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    A procedure to quantify the optical loss mechanisms in back-contact solar cells is presented. It incorporates recent developments in optical simulation that yield rapid and precise results. The procedure includes spectrophotometry, ellipsometry, quantum efficiency measurements, ray tracing, and the thin-film matrix method. The paper shows how experiments and simulation can be combined to quantify reflection from the front surface, absorption in the antireflection coatings, non-ideal light trapping, and free-carrier absorption - all in terms of a 'lost generation current'. The procedure is demonstrated on a back-contact solar cell with single-layer and double-layer antireflection coatings. It is extendable to other cell structures.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publication2014 IEEE 40th Photovoltaic Specialist Conference, PVSC 2014
    PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
    Pages115-123
    Number of pages9
    ISBN (Electronic)9781479943982
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 15 Oct 2014
    Event40th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialist Conference, PVSC 2014 - Denver, United States
    Duration: 8 Jun 201413 Jun 2014

    Publication series

    Name2014 IEEE 40th Photovoltaic Specialist Conference, PVSC 2014

    Conference

    Conference40th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialist Conference, PVSC 2014
    Country/TerritoryUnited States
    CityDenver
    Period8/06/1413/06/14

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