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Electroabsorption and Transport Measurements and Modeling Research in Amorphous Silicon Based Solar Cells; Annual Report; 24 March 1999-23 March 2000

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/777315· OSTI ID:777315
We have performed computer calculations to explore effects of the p/i interface on the open-circuit voltage in a-Si:H based pin solar cells. The principal conclusions are that interface limitation can occur for values of VOC significantly below the built-in potential of VBI of a cell, and that the effects can be understood in terms of thermionic emission of electrons from the intrinsic layer into the p-layer. We compare measurements of VOC and electroabsorption estimates of VBI with the model calculations. We conclude that p/i interface limitation is important for current a-Si:H based cells, and that the conduction band offset between the p and i layers is as important as the built-in potential for future improvements to VOC.
Research Organization:
National Renewable Energy Lab., Golden, CO (US)
Sponsoring Organization:
US Department of Energy (US)
DOE Contract Number:
AC36-99GO10337
OSTI ID:
777315
Report Number(s):
NREL/SR-520-29504
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English