High-efficiency space and terrestrial multijunction solar cells through bandgap control in cell structures

Richard King; Chris M. Fetzer; Peter C. Colter; Ken M. Edmondson; James H. Ermer; Hector L. Cotal; Hojun Yoon; Alex P. Stavrides; Geoff Kinsey; Dimitri D. Krut; N. H. Karam

High-efficiency space and terrestrial multijunction solar cells through bandgap control in cell structures

Richard King, Chris M. Fetzer, Peter C. Colter, Ken M. Edmondson, James H. Ermer, Hector L. Cotal, Hojun Yoon, Alex P. Stavrides, Geoff Kinsey, Dimitri D. Krut, N. H. Karam

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution

95 Scopus citations

Abstract

Using the energy bandgap of semiconductors as a design parameter is critically important for achieving the highest efficiency multijunction solar cells. The bandgaps of lattice-matched semiconductors that are most convenient to use are rarely those which would result in the highest theoretical efficiency. For both the space and terrestrial solar spectra, the efficiency of 3-junction GalnP/GaAs/Ge solar cells can be increased by a lower bandgap middle cell, as for GalnAs middle cells, as well as by using higher bandgap top cell materials. Wide-bandgap and indirect-gap materials used in parasitically absorbing layers such as tunnel junctions help to increase transmission of light to the active cell layers beneath. Control of bandgap in such cell structures has been instrumental in achieving solar cell efficiencies of 29.7% under the AMD space spectrum (0.1353 W/cm², 28°C) and 34% under the concentrated terrestrial spectrum (AM1.5G, 150-400 suns, 25°C), the highest yet achieved for solar cells built on a single substrate.

Original language	English (US)
Title of host publication	Conference Record of the IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference
Pages	776-781
Number of pages	6
State	Published - 2002
Externally published	Yes
Event	29th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference - New Orleans, LA, United States Duration: May 19 2002 → May 24 2002

Other

Other	29th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference
Country/Territory	United States
City	New Orleans, LA
Period	5/19/02 → 5/24/02

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Control and Systems Engineering
Condensed Matter Physics

Cite this

King, R, Fetzer, CM, Colter, PC, Edmondson, KM, Ermer, JH, Cotal, HL, Yoon, H, Stavrides, AP, Kinsey, G, Krut, DD & Karam, NH 2002, High-efficiency space and terrestrial multijunction solar cells through bandgap control in cell structures. in Conference Record of the IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference. pp. 776-781, 29th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, New Orleans, LA, United States, 5/19/02.

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author = "Richard King and Fetzer, {Chris M.} and Colter, {Peter C.} and Edmondson, {Ken M.} and Ermer, {James H.} and Cotal, {Hector L.} and Hojun Yoon and Stavrides, {Alex P.} and Geoff Kinsey and Krut, {Dimitri D.} and Karam, {N. H.}",

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AU - Ermer, James H.

AU - Cotal, Hector L.

AU - Yoon, Hojun

AU - Stavrides, Alex P.

AU - Kinsey, Geoff

AU - Krut, Dimitri D.

AU - Karam, N. H.

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AB - Using the energy bandgap of semiconductors as a design parameter is critically important for achieving the highest efficiency multijunction solar cells. The bandgaps of lattice-matched semiconductors that are most convenient to use are rarely those which would result in the highest theoretical efficiency. For both the space and terrestrial solar spectra, the efficiency of 3-junction GalnP/GaAs/Ge solar cells can be increased by a lower bandgap middle cell, as for GalnAs middle cells, as well as by using higher bandgap top cell materials. Wide-bandgap and indirect-gap materials used in parasitically absorbing layers such as tunnel junctions help to increase transmission of light to the active cell layers beneath. Control of bandgap in such cell structures has been instrumental in achieving solar cell efficiencies of 29.7% under the AMD space spectrum (0.1353 W/cm2, 28°C) and 34% under the concentrated terrestrial spectrum (AM1.5G, 150-400 suns, 25°C), the highest yet achieved for solar cells built on a single substrate.

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ER -

High-efficiency space and terrestrial multijunction solar cells through bandgap control in cell structures

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ASJC Scopus subject areas

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