TITLE:
Optimizing a Single-Absorption-Layer Thin-Film Solar Cell1 Model to Achieve 31% Efficiency
AUTHORS:
Joseph E. O’Connor, Sherif Michael
KEYWORDS:
Thin-Film, Solar Cell, Back-Contacts, Gallium-Arsenide, Modeling
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering,
Vol.5 No.1,
January
4,
2017
ABSTRACT: This research builds upon the authors’ previous work that introduced and modeled a novel Gallium-Arsenide, Emitterless, Back-surface Alternating Contact (GaAs-EBAC) thin-film solar cell to achieve >30% power conversion efficiency. Key design parameters are optimized under an Air-Mass (AM) 1.5 spectrum to improve performance and approach the 33.5% theoretical efficiency limit. A second optimization is performed under an AM0 spectrum to examine the cell’s potential for space applications. This research demonstrates the feasibility and potential of a new thin-film solar cell design for terrestrial and space applications. Results suggest that the straight-forward design may be an inexpensive alternative to multi-junction solar cells.