Band gap and thickness optimization for improvement of CIGS/CIGS tandem solar cells using Silvaco software

Bouanani, B.; Joti, A; Bouiadjra, F.S. Bachir; Kadid, A.

doi:10.1016/j.ijleo.2020.164217

Cited by 21 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 13 publications

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“…Each subcell is considered independent (four-terminal configuration). The modeling of chalcopyrite tandem solar cells has been previously reported, [10,11] but the modeled PV parameters were often far from realistic, complicating the assessment of improvement strategies. This work aims at offering a concise quantitative evaluation for this class of device using state-of-the-art solar cells, and compares pathways for performance improvement.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Feasibility of a Full Chalcopyrite Tandem Solar Cell: A Quantitative Numerical Approach

et al. 2021

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The potential of tandem solar cells combining two chalcopyrite absorbers is evaluated using numerical modeling based on an exhaustive set of experimental parameters, offering a high degree of confidence in the numerical values reported herein. The simple yet reliable approach used here combines a transfer matrix‐based optical model of the wide bandgap CIGSe top subcell used as input for the 1D electrical modeling of a reference narrow bandgap CIGSe bottom cell. Various optical optimizations to the top subcell are investigated, with the aim to increase the bottom subcell current and reduce the efficiency threshold needed at the top subcell for the tandem device to beat the current single junction efficiency record. The results here suggest that significant progress compared with the state of the art can be made using a pure CuGaSe2 absorber combined with an optimized back contact with an ultrathin transition metal oxide interlayer. With a bottom subcell current more than doubled in the optimum top subcell configuration, a challenging yet clear pathway for the future realization of tandem solar cells based on chalcopyrite absorbers is offered.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Feasibility of a Full Chalcopyrite Tandem Solar Cell: A Quantitative Numerical Approach

et al. 2021

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“…Fig. 1 shows the schematic of investigating tandem thin film solar cell configuration, according to the design reported by other research, such as CIGS/CIGS tandem solar cells [15,16].…”

Section: Structural and Numericalsimula-tionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Improving the Performance of CZTS/CZTSSe Tandem Thin Film Solar Cell

Hafaifa,

Maache,

Bouabdelli

2024

J. Nano- Electron. Phys.

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Numerical simulation of CZTS/CZTSSe tandem solar cells utilizing Silvaco-Atlas was investigated. Firstly, the performances of conventional CZTS/CdS/ZnO and CZTSSe/CdS/ZnO single solar cells with thicknesses for both absorber layers at 360 nm and 3 nm, respectively, were studied independently. A wide band gap CZTS thin-film cell and a narrow band gap CZTSSe-based cell present conversion efficiencies of 11.10% and 13.76% respectively. This agrees with experimental and simulation results previously published. Furthermore, a CZTS/CZTSe tandem cell configuration is identified keeping the identical material properties. A good conversion efficiency of 25.27% was obtained. Finally, the thickness of the CZTS adsorption layer of the top cell was optimized as a crucial factor to enhance the tandem performance. Optimal thickness coinciding to a highest efficiency of 26.05% is 420 nm. The output parameters obtained are, Jsc  28.46 mA/cm 2 , Voc  1.27 V and FF  71.83%. This suggested results may help in the future research and may lead to the fabrication of CZTSSe-based solar cells.

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“…Many research works have highlighted the positive influence of band gap profiling in CIGS structures on the generation and collection of minority carriers. − Lafuente-Sampietro et al studied the impact of double grading on the charge-carrier transport of a CIGS-based PV cell. It is shown that by a judicious choice of the notch position of the conduction band, the double grading allows benefiting from the advantages of both front grading and back grading. , An efficiency of 19.83% was recorded for a 2 μm thick absorber coat.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Lowering Cost Approach for CIGS-Based Solar Cell Through Optimizing Band Gap Profile and Doping of Stacked Active Layers─SCAPS Modeling

et al. 2023

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In this research article, we carry out investigation on compensating the efficiency loss in thin-film CIGS photovoltaic (PV) cell due to absorber coat depth reduction. We demonstrate that the efficiency loss is mainly caused by the disruption of the charge-carrier transport. We propose an architecture engineered with a stepped band gap profile for improving the efficiency of charge-carrier transport and collection. By modifying the gallium content, we tuned the band gap profile of the active layer of a reference experimental cell from which we previously collected all parameters. Using the simulator environment SCAPS-1D, we modeled a three-steps stacking profile of active layer with different gallium contents from one layer to another. Based on the results obtained, the band gap configuration herein proposed appears to be a prospective strategy for high-performance ultrathin Cu(In,Ga)Se2-based PV cell architecture engineering. By combining this approach with the optimization of the active layer doping, we enhanced the yields of the reference structure from 18.93% for a 2 μm active layer to 23.36% for only 0.5 μm thickness of active layer, that is, an enhancement of 4.4%. The fill factor increased from 73.24 to 81.73%, that is, an additional stability indicator value of 8.5%. The good values of the obtained efficiency and the improvement of the fill factor value are relevant indicators of a stable device. Active layer stacking combined with a stepped band gap profile and doping level optimization is definitely providing new perspectives in thin-film CIGS high-performance PV cell achievement.

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Band gap and thickness optimization for improvement of CIGS/CIGS tandem solar cells using Silvaco software

Cited by 21 publications

References 13 publications

Feasibility of a Full Chalcopyrite Tandem Solar Cell: A Quantitative Numerical Approach

Feasibility of a Full Chalcopyrite Tandem Solar Cell: A Quantitative Numerical Approach

Improving the Performance of CZTS/CZTSSe Tandem Thin Film Solar Cell

Lowering Cost Approach for CIGS-Based Solar Cell Through Optimizing Band Gap Profile and Doping of Stacked Active Layers─SCAPS Modeling

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