Performance of Hydrogenated a-Si:H Solar Cells with Downshifting Coating: Preprint
We apply a thin luminescent downshifting (LDS) coating to a hydrogenated amorphous Si (a-Si:H) solar cell and study the mechanism of possible current enhancement. The conversion material used in this study converts wavelengths below 400 nm to a narrow line around 615 nm. This material is coated on the front of the glass of the a-Si:H solar cell with a glass/TCO/p/i/n/Ag superstrate configuration.The initial efficiency of the solar cell without the LDS coating is above 9.0 % with open circuit voltage of 0.84 V. Typically, the spectral response below 400 nm of an a-Si:H solar cell is weaker than that at 615 nm. By converting ultraviolet (UV) light to red light, the solar cell will receive more red photons; therefore, solar cell performance is expected to improve. We observe evidence ofdownshifting in reflectance spectra. The cell Jsc decreases by 0.13 mA/cm2, and loss mechanisms are identified.
- Research Organization:
- National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Renewable Power Office. Solar Energy Technologies Office
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC36-08GO28308
- OSTI ID:
- 1018103
- Report Number(s):
- NREL/CP-5200-51824; TRN: US201113%%546
- Resource Relation:
- Journal Volume: 1321; Conference: Presented at the 2011 Materials Research Society Spring Meeting, 25-29 April 2011, San Francisco, California
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Optical modeling of a-Si:H based solar cells on textured substrates
Transparent Conductors and Barrier Layers for Thin Film Solar Cells: