Silicon concentrator solar cell research
Research directed at improving the energy conversion efficiency of silicon concentrator solar cells over the year ending October 1987 is described. The most promising approach identified for fabricating high-efficiency, bifacially contacted cells is one whereby the effects of top metallization shading can be negated, such as by the use of prismatic covers. This approach is shown to be capable of producing 25% cell efficiency for relatively large-area cells for concentration in the 100--500 suns range. Increase beyond this efficiency figure is dependent upon improvements in rear surface passivation. Results reported include the first demonstration of 19% lens/cell efficiency with silicon, the demonstration of improved performance levels for bifacially contacted high-resistivity cells, and the demonstration of the feasibility of applying the laser-grooved approach to large-area, low-cost concentrator cells. The theory of sublinear effects in high-resistivity cells is developed and shown to accurately describe experimental results. Finally, a new light-trapping scheme based on tilted pyramids and slats is analyzed and shown to perform better than any other scheme analyzed to date. 32 refs., 34 figs., 20 tabs.
- Research Organization:
- Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA); New South Wales Univ., Kensington (Australia). Solar Photovoltaic Lab.
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC04-76DP00789
- OSTI ID:
- 6575494
- Report Number(s):
- SAND-88-7032; ON: DE89005490
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
140501* -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Photovoltaic Conversion
COATINGS
CONCENTRATOR SOLAR CELLS
DATA
DESIGN
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
EFFICIENCY
ELECTRIC CONDUCTIVITY
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
EQUIPMENT
FABRICATION
FILMS
INFORMATION
NUMERICAL DATA
PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
SILICON SOLAR CELLS
SOLAR CELLS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
THIN FILMS