Characterization of multiterminal tandem photovoltaic devices and their subcell coupling

Geisz, John F.; McMahon, William E.; Buencuerpo, Jeronimo; Young, Michelle S.; Rienäcker, Michael; Tamboli, Adele C.; Warren, Emily L.

doi:10.1016/j.xcrp.2021.100677

Title: Characterization of multiterminal tandem photovoltaic devices and their subcell coupling

Journal Article · Wed Dec 22 00:00:00 EST 2021 · Cell Reports Physical Science

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xcrp.2021.100677· OSTI ID:1839369

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^[1]; Buencuerpo, Jeronimo ^[1]; Young, Michelle S. ^[1]; Rienäcker, Michael ^[2];

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National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
Inst. for Solar Energy Research Hamelin (ISFH), Emmerthal (Germany)

Three-terminal (3T) and four-terminal (4T) tandem photovoltaic (PV) devices using various materials have been increasingly reported in the literature, but measurement standards are lacking. Here, multiterminal devices measured as functions of two load variables are characterized unambiguously as functions of three device voltages or currents on hexagonal plots. We demonstrate these measurement techniques using two GaInP/GaAs tandem solar cells, with a middle contact between the two subcells, as example 3T devices with both series-connected and reverse-connected subcells. Coupling mechanisms between the subcells are quantified within the context of a simple equivalent optoelectronic circuit. Electrical and optical coupling mechanisms are most clearly revealed using coupled dark measurements. These measurements are sensitive enough to observe very small luminescent coupling from the bottom subcell to the top subcell in the prototype 3T device. Quick simplified measurement techniques are also discussed within the context of the complete characterization.

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Research Organization:: National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Renewable Power Office. Solar Energy Technologies Office

Grant/Contract Number:: AC36-08GO28308

OSTI ID:: 1839369

Report Number(s):: NREL/JA-5900-80101; MainId:42304; UUID:4f6c5ca2-f43d-4a33-a85d-098833a471a6; MainAdminID:62887

Journal Information:: Cell Reports Physical Science, Vol. 2, Issue 12; ISSN 2666-3864

Publisher:: ElsevierCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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