Innovative dual function nc-SiOx:H layer leading to a >16% efficient multi-junction thin-film silicon solar cell
Abstract
We present our development of n-type nano-structured hydrogenated silicon oxide (nc-SiOx:H) as a dual-function layer in multi-junction solar cells. We optimized nc-SiOx:H and attained a conductivity suitable for a doped layer and optical property suitable for an inter-reflection layer. We tested the effectiveness of the dual-function nc-SiOx:H layer by replacing the normal n layer between the middle and the bottom cells in an a-Si:H/a-SiGe:H/nc-Si:H triple-junction structure. A significant gain in the middle cell current density of ∼1.0 mA/cm2 is achieved. We further optimized the component cells and the triple-junction structures and attained an initial active-area cell efficiency of 16.3%.
- Publication:
-
Applied Physics Letters
- Pub Date:
- September 2011
- DOI:
- 10.1063/1.3638068
- Bibcode:
- 2011ApPhL..99k3512Y
- Keywords:
-
- current density;
- electrical conductivity;
- elemental semiconductors;
- Ge-Si alloys;
- hydrogen;
- semiconductor heterojunctions;
- silicon;
- silicon compounds;
- solar cells;
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