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A generic concept to overcome bandgap limitations for designing highly efficient multi-junction photovoltaic cells

Author

Listed:
  • Fei Guo

    (Institute of Materials for Electronics and Energy Technology (i-MEET), Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg)

  • Ning Li

    (Institute of Materials for Electronics and Energy Technology (i-MEET), Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg)

  • Frank W. Fecher

    (Bavarian Center for Applied Energy Research (ZAE Bayern))

  • Nicola Gasparini

    (Institute of Materials for Electronics and Energy Technology (i-MEET), Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg)

  • Cesar Omar Ramirez Quiroz

    (Institute of Materials for Electronics and Energy Technology (i-MEET), Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg)

  • Carina Bronnbauer

    (Institute of Materials for Electronics and Energy Technology (i-MEET), Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg
    Erlangen Graduate School in Advanced Optical Technologies (SAOT), Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg)

  • Yi Hou

    (Institute of Materials for Electronics and Energy Technology (i-MEET), Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg
    Erlangen Graduate School in Advanced Optical Technologies (SAOT), Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg)

  • Vuk V. Radmilović

    (Center for Nanoanalysis and Electron Microscopy (CENEM), Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg
    Innovation Center, Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade)

  • Velimir R. Radmilović

    (Center for Nanoanalysis and Electron Microscopy (CENEM), Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg
    Nanotechnology and Functional Materials Center, Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade)

  • Erdmann Spiecker

    (Center for Nanoanalysis and Electron Microscopy (CENEM), Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg)

  • Karen Forberich

    (Institute of Materials for Electronics and Energy Technology (i-MEET), Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg)

  • Christoph J. Brabec

    (Institute of Materials for Electronics and Energy Technology (i-MEET), Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg
    Bavarian Center for Applied Energy Research (ZAE Bayern)
    Erlangen Graduate School in Advanced Optical Technologies (SAOT), Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg)

Abstract

The multi-junction concept is the most relevant approach to overcome the Shockley–Queisser limit for single-junction photovoltaic cells. The record efficiencies of several types of solar technologies are held by series-connected tandem configurations. However, the stringent current-matching criterion presents primarily a material challenge and permanently requires developing and processing novel semiconductors with desired bandgaps and thicknesses. Here we report a generic concept to alleviate this limitation. By integrating series- and parallel-interconnections into a triple-junction configuration, we find significantly relaxed material selection and current-matching constraints. To illustrate the versatile applicability of the proposed triple-junction concept, organic and organic-inorganic hybrid triple-junction solar cells are constructed by printing methods. High fill factors up to 68% without resistive losses are achieved for both organic and hybrid triple-junction devices. Series/parallel triple-junction cells with organic, as well as perovskite-based subcells may become a key technology to further advance the efficiency roadmap of the existing photovoltaic technologies.

Suggested Citation

  • Fei Guo & Ning Li & Frank W. Fecher & Nicola Gasparini & Cesar Omar Ramirez Quiroz & Carina Bronnbauer & Yi Hou & Vuk V. Radmilović & Velimir R. Radmilović & Erdmann Spiecker & Karen Forberich & Chris, 2015. "A generic concept to overcome bandgap limitations for designing highly efficient multi-junction photovoltaic cells," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 6(1), pages 1-9, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:6:y:2015:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms8730
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms8730
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    Cited by:

    1. Zhang, Lili & Chen, Ming & Luo, Shixiong & Qin, G.G., 2018. "Efficiency evaluation for triple-junction solar cells in five tandem configurations," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 129(PA), pages 317-327.
    2. Rana, Ahsan Sarwar & Zubair, Muhammad & Chen, Yifan & Wang, Zeng & Deng, Jie & Chani, Muhammad Tariq Saeed & Danner, Aaron & Teng, Jinghua & Mehmood, Muhammad Qasim, 2023. "Broadband solar absorption by chromium metasurface for highly efficient solar thermophotovoltaic systems," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 171(C).

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