Design and optimization of a high efficiency CdTe–FeSi2 based double-junction two-terminal tandem solar cell

Letter to the editor of Heliyon re: Design and optimization of a high efficiency CdTe–FeSi2 based double-junction two-terminal tandem solar cell. Heliyon 10 (2024) e27994

“…Notably, the world record CdTe solar cells described previously, with efficiency of 20.1 % and 22.4 %, have fill factor FF of only 79.4 % and 79.3 % respectively [ 11 ]. Tonmoy et al claim that their CdTe/FeSi 2 solar cell should achieve FF of 89.88 % [ 1 ]. This would represent a substantial improvement in fill factor; yet, no discussion was offered as to how such a large improvement would be realized in an actual device.…”

“…2b in Ref. [ 1 ]) that the short circuit current density J sc in the FeSi 2 bottom subcell was constant even as its thickness was varied from 100 nm to 700 nm. No explanation for this trend was offered.…”

“…3 in Ref. [ 1 ]). Counter to this, it is known that this magnitude of doping concentration will, in reality, be detrimental to minority carrier lifetime and thus device efficiency.…”

“…Using SCAPS-1D, a one-dimensional solar cell simulation program, Tonmoy et al [ 1 ] reported that series-connected 2-junction (2J) solar cells constructed from 1.5 eV cadmium telluride (CdTe) and 0.87 eV iron disilicide (FeSi 2 ) can achieve actual air mass 1.5 global (AM1.5G) power conversion efficiency η of 43.9 %, open circuit voltage V oc of 1.928 V, and fill factor FF of 89.88 % [ 1 ]. The device design that was modeled includes a top subcell with a cadmium sulfide (CdS) window layer, a 1.5 eV CdTe primary absorbing layer, and a molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ) back surface field (BSF) layer.…”

Advancing efficiency: comprehensive strategies for minimizing optical and electrical losses in group III-V compound tandem solar cells for future photovoltaic technology

“…Researchers are working on a variety of tandem solar cell architectures, including (i) group III-V compound semiconductor multi-junction, (ii) perovskite/Si, (iii) perovskite/CIGS (copper indium gallium diselenide), (iv) CdTe/CIGS, (v) CdTe/Si, (vi) a-Si:H/μc-Si: H and others [18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28]. Currently, the most extensively investigated materials for tandem solar cells are 'group III-V compound' semiconductor materials and perovskite materials.…”