Silicon nanowire solar cells

Silicon nanowire-based solar cells on metal foil are described. The key benefits of such devices are discussed, followed by optical reflectance, current-voltage, and external quantum efficiency data for a cell design employing a thin amorphous silicon layer deposited on the nanowire array to form the p-n junction. A promising current density of 1.6 mA /cm2 for 1.8 cm2 cells was obtained, and a broad external quantum efficiency was measured with a maximum value of 12% at 690 nm. The optical reflectance of the silicon nanowire solar cells is reduced by one to two orders of magnitude compared to planar cells. © 2007 American Institute of Physics. DOI: 10.1063/1.2821113