An optimized structure for CdTe solar cells

Yunfei Chen, Peng Shou, Xuehai Tan, Cao Xin, Bastian Siepchen, Ganhua Fu, Alan E. Delahoy, Ken K. Chin

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

In the last five years, the world record of CdTe thin film solar cell conversion efficiency has been increased from 16.5% to 21.0%. Most noticeable and dramatic efficiency improvement has been originated from the elimination of blue loss by using wider band gap n-window layer such as CdSO to replace the traditional n-CdS of band gap 2.4 Ev. In this work, we use CdSO as the new n-window layer and systematic computer simulation is used to investigate the influence of the conduction band offset between CdSO and CdTe layer, the thickness and the doping concentration of CdSO layer on the efficiency of the solar cell. Finally, a new optimized CdTe so lar cell with highest simulated efficiency is designed and the role of CdSO layer is clarified. Simulation results also suggest that the new structure can almost remove the blue loss.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2017 IEEE 44th Photovoltaic Specialist Conference, PVSC 2017
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages517-520
Number of pages4
ISBN (Electronic)9781509056057
DOIs
StatePublished - 2017
Event44th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialist Conference, PVSC 2017 - Washington, United States
Duration: Jun 25 2017Jun 30 2017

Publication series

Name2017 IEEE 44th Photovoltaic Specialist Conference, PVSC 2017

Other

Other44th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialist Conference, PVSC 2017
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityWashington
Period6/25/176/30/17

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials

Keywords

  • Blue loss
  • CdTe solar cells
  • Conduction band offset
  • Doping concentration
  • N-window layer

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