Simple power-loss analysis method for high-efficiency Interdigitated Back Contact (IBC) silicon solar cells

• Published in: Solar energy materials and solar cells Vol. 106; pp. 37 - 41
• Main Authors: Verlinden, Pierre J., Aleman, Monica, Posthuma, Niels, Fernandez, Jara, Pawlak, Bartek, Robbelein, Jo, Debucquoy, Maarteen, Van Wichelen, Koen, Poortmans, Jef
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.11.2012; Elsevier
• Subjects: Analysis; Applied sciences; Concentration gradient; Contact; Conversion; Direct energy conversion and energy accumulation; Electrical engineering. Electrical power engineering; Electrical power engineering; Energy; Exact sciences and technology; High-efficiency; IBC; Mathematical analysis; Minority carriers; Natural energy; One-dimensional model; Photoelectric conversion; Photovoltaic cells; Photovoltaic conversion; Power-loss; Silicon; Solar cells; Solar cells. Photoelectrochemical cells; Solar energy; Silicon; High-efficiency; IBC; One-dimensional model; Power-loss; Analysis; Silicon solar cells; Minority carrier; Conversion rate; Back contact solar cells; Majority carrier; Solar cell; Analysis method; High efficiency; One dimensional model; Analytical method; Power losses
• ISSN: 0927-0248; 1879-3398
• DOI: 10.1016/j.solmat.2012.06.008

A simple analytical method is presented to perform a power-loss analysis of high-efficiency silicon Interdigitated Back Contact (IBC) solar cells. The method assumes one-dimensional current flows for both minority and majority carriers, as well as a constant gradient (or linear profile) of minority carrier concentration from the front to the back of the solar cell. The power-loss analysis method is applied to a real IBC silicon solar cell with a conversion efficiency of 23.3%. ► We propose a simple one-dimensional model for Interdigitated Back Contact (IBC) solar cells. ► This simple analytical model is used to perform a power-loss analysis on IBC silicon solar cells. ► An experimental 23.3%-efficient IBC solar cell is used as an example for a power-loss analysis. ► A pathway toward efficiencies greater than 24% is shown.