Experimental verification of optically optimized CuGaSe2 top cell for improving chalcopyrite tandems

An efficient tandem solar cell requires a top cell which is highly transparent below the energy gap of its absorber. Previously we had reported on a theoretically optimized CuGaSe2 top cell stack based on realistic material properties. It promised a significant increase in optical transparency and,...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:EPJ Photovoltaics 2010-01, Vol.1, p.10601
Main Authors: Schmid, M., Caballero, R., Klenk, R., Krč, J., Rissom, T., Topič, M., Lux-Steiner, M. Ch
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Chalcopyrite
Copper indium gallium selenides
Efficiency
Energy
Energy gap
Experiments
Glass substrates
Material properties
Molybdenum
Optical measurement
Optical properties
Photovoltaic cells
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Summary:An efficient tandem solar cell requires a top cell which is highly transparent below the energy gap of its absorber. Previously we had reported on a theoretically optimized CuGaSe2 top cell stack based on realistic material properties. It promised a significant increase in optical transparency and, consequently, enhanced CuGaSe2/Cu(In,Ga)Se2 tandem efficiency. Here we present the first steps taken towards the experimental realization of this optimized tandem. We started with a mechanically stacked device which achieved 8.5% efficiency. Optical measurements of the improved top cells and corresponding photo current densities of the filtered bottom cell are reported. The experimental findings are in agreement with the optical modeling. These data are used to assess the level of tandem performance that could be accomplished in the near future and to discuss the priorities of further research.
ISSN:2105-0716
2105-0716
DOI:10.1051/epjpv/2010002