High-Efficiency GaInP/GaAs Tandem Solar Cells

Journal Article · Sun Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1996 · Journal of Propulsion and Power

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2514/3.24112· OSTI ID:915252

Bertness, K A; Friedman, D J; Kurtz, S R; Kibbler, A E; Cramer, C; Olson, J M

GaInP/GaAs tandem solar cells have achieved efficiencies between 25.7-30.2%, depending on illumination conditions. The efficiencies are the highest confirmed two-terminal values measured for any solar cell within each standard illumination category. 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.

• Research Organization: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO.
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC36-99GO10337
• OSTI ID: 915252
• Journal Information: Journal of Propulsion and Power, Journal Name: Journal of Propulsion and Power Journal Issue: 5, September-October 1996 Vol. 12; ISSN 0748-4658; ISSN JPPOEL
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
DESIGN
EFFICIENCY
GALLIUM ARSENIDES
ILLUMINANCE
PASSIVATION
PERFORMANCE
SILICON
SOLAR CELLS
Solar Energy - Photovoltaics