Simulation of Bifacial and Monofacial Silicon Solar Cell Short-Circuit Current Density Under Measured Spectro-Angular Solar Irradiance

Abstract

In this article, we simulated the performance of bifacial and monofacial silicon heterojunction solar cells under measured spectro-angular solar irradiance. We developed a new setup and procedure to measure spectro-angular irradiance over a wide range of orientations. Measurements were executed in Enschede, the Netherlands (52 • 23 N, 6 • 85 E). Using this measured multi-dimensional input irradiance along with SunSolve simulated external quantum efficiency for various cells, we determined the short-circuit current density of bifacial and monofacial silicon heterojunction solar cells. We conclude that monofacial cells perform marginally better than bifacial cells for front-side illumination (up to 3.0% more for direct sun) and bifacial cells perform significantly better than monofacial cells (higher output ranging from 20.1% to 68.1%), under diffuse irradiance. We compared our results with a well-monitored roof-top solar module setup and found good agreement for clear sky days (accuracy 1.1%-8.5%).

Output Enhancement of Bifacial Solar Modules Under Diffuse and Specular Albedo

“…Various existing reflectors (natural and artificial) can be assessed and novel reflectors can designed for higher yield. Furthermore, on combining with open-circuit voltage data and local irradiance or spectro-angular irradiance measurements [16], this methodology will help in determining the best albedo-module pair and configuration for the desired outcome. E.g.…”

“…The EQE used for this work was computationally simulated for a silicon heterojunction bifacial module using SunSolve™, developed by PV Lighthouse. Further details on the architecture and the EQE can be found in [15,16].…”

Power Prediction Method of PV System Based on Bifacial PV Modules

“…Analysis of the back side influence factors The power on the back side of a Bi-PVM is influenced by a number of factors [24], including modules parameters, meteorological factors and environmental factors. Among them, modules parameters include bifacial factors and light transmittance, and meteorological factors mainly consider reflected radiation.…”

Light trapping in thin silicon solar cells: A review on fundamentals and technologies

“…Bifacial solar cells can accept light from front and rear, thereby providing great benefits for converting diffused and albedo reflected light, but performing slightly less good under direct light conditions due to the less good light trapping. 44 Researchers that claim to exceed the Lambertian limit with strategies based on geometrical optics 45 should carefully check the acceptance angle and their calculation of the Lambertian reference.…”