High-efficiency GaInP/GaAs tandem solar cells

Journal Article · Thu Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1994 · IEEE Aerospace and Electronic Systems Magazine

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1109/62.334755· OSTI ID:57287

Bertness, K A; Friedman, D J; Kurtz, S R; Kibbler, A E; Kramer, C; Olson, J M ^[1]

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1. Natl Renewable Energy Lab, Golden, CO (United States)

GaInP/GaAs tandem solar cells have achieved new record efficiencies, specifically 25.7% under air-mass 0 (AM0) illumination, 29.5% under AM 1.5 global (AM1.5G) illumination, and 30.2% at 140-180x concentration under AM 1.5 direct (AM1.5D) illumination. These values are the highest two-terminal efficiencies achieved by any solar cell under these illumination conditions. The monolithic, series-connected design of the tandem cells allows them to be substituted for silicon or gallium arsenide cells in photovoltaic panel systems with minimal design changes. The advantages of using GaInP/GaAs tandem solar cells in space and terrestrial applications are discussed primarily in terms of the reduction in balance-of-system costs that accrues when using a higher efficiency cell. The new efficiency values represent a significant improvement over previous efficiencies for this materials system, and we identify grid design, back interface passivation, and top interface passivation as the three key factors leading to this improvement. In producing the high-efficiency cells, we have addressed nondestructive diagnostics and materials growth reproducibility as well as peak cell performance. 31 refs.

• OSTI ID: 57287
• Journal Information: IEEE Aerospace and Electronic Systems Magazine, Journal Name: IEEE Aerospace and Electronic Systems Magazine Journal Issue: 12 Vol. 9; ISSN 0885-8985; ISSN IAEMEE
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
EFFICIENCY
GALLIUM ARSENIDES
GALLIUM PHOSPHIDES
INDIUM PHOSPHIDES
RELIABILITY
SEMICONDUCTOR MATERIALS
SOLAR CELLS