Quantum wells enable solar cell bandgaps to be tailored to the theoretical optimum, under the assumption of unity absorption. In practice however, quantum well regions are thinner and hence absorb less strongly than bulk material. We predict detailed balance efficiency limits for varying levels of absorptivity in singleand double-junction quantum-well solar cells. These calculations allow us to...

In this study we analyze and discuss the optical properties of various tandem architectures: mechanically stacked (four-terminal) and monolithically integrated (two-terminal) tandem devices, consisting of a methyl ammonium lead triiodide (CH(3)NH(3)PbI(3)) perovskite top solar cell and a crystalline silicon bottom solar cell. We provide layer thickness optimization guidelines and give estimates...

High-quality III-V multi junction solar cells on Si can be fabricated by surface-activated wafer bonding at room temperature. In this way the formation of lattice-mismatch induced defects in the active solar cell layers can be reduced or completely avoided. In this approach, a 10 μm thin GaInP/GaAs dual junction solar cell is grown lattice-matched on GaAs and transferred to Si by direct wafer b...

Low-frequency errors of thin-film multijunction thermal voltage converters are estimated using a simple model based on easily measured parameters. The model predictions are verified by measuring the converter’s frequency characteristic using a digitally synthesized source.

A solar cell is an electronic device which not only harvests photovoltaic effect but also transforms light energy into electricity. In photovoltaic phenomenon, a P-N junction is created to form an empty region.  The presented paper aims at proposing a new highly efficient InGaN/Si double-junction solar cell structure. This cell is designed to be used in a real environmental situation, so only s...

The Si tandem solar cells are very attractive for realizing high efficiency and low cost. This paper overviews current status of III-V/Si including our results. analytical results potential loss analysis bottom as well bandgap energy optimization sub-cells presented. 2-junction 3-junction have efficiencies 36% 42%, respectively. ERE (external radiative efficiency) is analyzed in order to clarif...

As an important step towards the realisation of silicon-based tandem solar cells using silicon quantum dots embedded in a silicon dioxide (SiO(2)) matrix, single-junction silicon quantum dot (Si QD) solar cells on quartz substrates have been fabricated. The total thickness of the solar cell material is 420 nm. The cells contain 4 nm diameter Si quantum dots. The impacts of post-metallisation tr...