Novel concentrator photovoltaic converter system development. Final report

Technical Report · Sun Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1979

OSTI ID:6113764

Bedair, S M; Lamorte, M F; Hauser, J R

The long-range objective of this work is to develop, synthesize and evaluate a novel cascade solar cell having an AM 1 conversion efficiency of 30 percent or greater and capable of operating at both high illumination levels and elevated temperatures. The first year's work has been oriented toward demonstrating the cascade solar cell concept whereby two cells are internally connected in a monolithic structure to provide a voltage aiding series arrangement of the cells. Accomplishments during the first year include studies of the lower bandgap cell, the upper bandgap cell and the low impedance connecting junction. the material systems studied include GaInAs, AlGaAs, GaInP and AlGaInAs. The major accomplishment of the work has been the first experimental demonstration of a cascade solar cell structure in the GaAs/AlGaAs materials system. Test cells have demonstrated open circuit voltages as high as 2.2 volts and efficiencies in the 10 to 15% range without antireflecting layers.

• Research Organization: Research Triangle Inst., Research Triangle Park, NC (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: EY-76-C-04-0789
• OSTI ID: 6113764
• Report Number(s): SAND-79-7040
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140501* -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Photovoltaic Conversion
ALUMINIUM ARSENIDES
ALUMINIUM COMPOUNDS
ARSENIC COMPOUNDS
ARSENIDES
CRYSTAL GROWTH
CURRENT DENSITY
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
EFFICIENCY
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
ENERGY GAP
EPITAXY
FABRICATION
GALLIUM ARSENIDE SOLAR CELLS
GALLIUM ARSENIDES
GALLIUM COMPOUNDS
GALLIUM PHOSPHIDES
GRADED BAND GAPS
INDIUM ARSENIDES
INDIUM COMPOUNDS
INDIUM PHOSPHIDES
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
PERFORMANCE
PHOSPHIDES
PHOSPHORUS COMPOUNDS
PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
PNICTIDES
SOLAR CELLS
TUNNEL EFFECT