Sinusoidal Small-Signal (AC) and Steady-State (DC) Analysis of Large-Area Solar Cells

Beside fabrication challenges, efficiency loss factors of solar cells such as shunts and an increasing series resistance caused by the sheet electrodes, are issues to be tackled when scaling novel photovoltaic devices up from laboratory industrial size. We present a FEM (Finite Element Method) software that supports upscaling process small- large-area devices. Considering Ohm’s law in top bottom which coupled vertical current, solves for electric potential distribution 2D electrode domains. In addition steady-state simulations, we introduce small-signal analysis allows us compute influence resistive electrodes defects on frequency-dependent impedance response. Herein, describe implemented numerical model AC (alternating current) mode. The was validated with measurements using monocrystalline silicon several sizes one cell intentionally shunted laser demonstrate fingerprints these DC (direct further step, verify simulation analytical solution one-dimensional simplistic quadratic domain linearized coupling law. Overall, presented is able reproduce predict behavior original later cell. Thereby have demonstrated powerful tool study frequency complements characterization steady-state.