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In the last few years the need and demand for utilizing clean energy resources has increased dramatically. Energy received from sun in the form of light is a sustainable, reliable and renewable energy resource. This light energy can be transformed into electricity using solar cells (SCs). Silicon was early used and still as first material for SCs fabrication. Thin film SCs are called as second generation of SC fabrication technology. Amorphous silicon (a-Si) thin film solar cell has gained considerable attention in photovoltaic research because of its ability to produce electricity at low cost. Also in the fabrication of a-Si SC less amount of Si is required. In this review article we have studied about types of a-Si SC namely hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) SC and hydrogenated amorphous silicon germanium(a-SiGe:H) SC. This article also reviews about various techniques adopted to improve the efficiency and performance of a-Si SC, stability issues in a-Si SC as well its recent developments.

N‐type silicon‐based solar cells are currently being used for achieving high efficiency. However, most of the photovoltaic modules already constructed are based on p‐type silicon solar cells, and there are few studies on potential induced degradation (PID) in n‐type solar cells. In this study, we investigated PID in n‐type silicon solar cells with a front p+ emitter. Further, the PID characteristics of n‐type solar cells are compared with those of p‐type solar cells. The electrical properties of PID in solar cells are observed with the light I‐V, quantum efficiency (QE), and electroluminescence (EL). The possible causes for the change in the external quantum efficiency (EQE) after PID are interpreted using PC1D and are discussed by comparing the experimental results with the simulation results. The electrical properties of the PID of n‐type silicon solar cells with a front p+ emitter are studied. Also, the possible causes for the PID are discussed, comparing simulated data with experimental result.

This study investigated how the SiNx refractive index (RI) and SiO2 thickness, dox, of stacked SiNx/SiO2 passivation layers of the front p+emitters of n‐type crystalline‐silicon (c‐Si) photovoltaic (PV) cells affect their polarization‐type potential‐induced degradation (PID) behaviors. We prepared six n‐type c‐Si PV cells with an RI of 2.0 or 2.2 and with dox of 9, 2, or 1 nm. Then PV modules fabricated from the cells were subjected to PID tests during which a bias of −1000 V was applied to cells with respect to the front cover glass surface. For dox of 9 or 2 nm, rapid polarization‐type PID was observed, irrespective of the RI. However, for dox of 1 nm, the RI markedly affected the degradation behavior, and cells with an RI of 2.2 showed no degradation. These findings are attributable to carrier transport between the high RI (Si‐rich) SiNx and the c‐Si substrates, which can readily occur only when the SiO2 layer is sufficiently thin for electrons to tunnel through the SiO2 layer. These results are important for elucidating polarization‐type PID mechanisms and for developing preventive measures against polarization‐type PID. We investigated how the SiNx refractive index (RI) and SiO2 thickness, dox, of SiNx/SiO2 layers of n‐type crystalline‐silicon photovoltaic cells affect polarization‐type potential‐induced degradation. For dox greater than 2 nm, rapid degradation was observed irrespective of the RI. However, for dox of 1 nm, the RI strongly affected degradation, and 2.2‐RI cells showed no degradation.

Stacking solar cells with decreasing band gaps to form tandems presents the possibility of overcoming the single-junction Shockley-Queisser limit in photovoltaics. The rapid development of solution-processed perovskites has brought perovskite single-junction efficiencies >20%. However, this process has yet to enable monolithic integration with industry-relevant textured crystalline silicon solar cells. We report tandems that combine solution-processed micrometer-thick perovskite top cells with fully textured silicon heterojunction bottom cells. To overcome the charge-collection challenges in micrometer-thick perovskites, we enhanced threefold the depletion width at the bases of silicon pyramids. Moreover, by anchoring a self-limiting passivant (1-butanethiol) on the perovskite surfaces, we enhanced the diffusion length and further suppressed phase segregation. These combined enhancements enabled an independently certified power conversion efficiency of 25.7% for perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells. These devices exhibited negligible performance loss after a 400-hour thermal stability test at 85°C and also after 400 hours undermaximumpower point tracking at 40°C.

Monolithic perovskite–silicon tandem solar cells with MoOx hole selective contact silicon bottom solar cells show a power conversion efficiency of 8%. A thin 15 nm-thick MoOx contact to n-type Si was used instead of a standard p+ emitter to collect holes and the SiOx/n+ poly-Si structure was deposited on the other side of the device for direct tunneling of electrons and this silicon bottom cell structure shows ~15% of power conversion efficiency. With this bottom carrier selective silicon cell, tin oxide, and subsequent perovskite structure were deposited to fabricate monolithic tandem solar cells. Monolithic tandem structure without ITO interlayer was also compared to confirm the role of MoOx in tandem cells and this tandem structure shows the power conversion efficiency of 3.3%. This research has confirmed that the MoOx layer simultaneously acts as a passivation layer and a hole collecting layer in this tandem structure.

Photovoltaic (PV) conversion of solar energy starts to give an appreciable contribution to power generation in many countries, with more than 90% of the global PV market relying on solar cells based on crystalline silicon (c-Si). The current efficiency record of c-Si solar cells is 26.7%, against an intrinsic limit of ~29%. Current research and production trends aim at increasing the efficiency, and reducing the cost, of industrial modules. In this paper, we review the main concepts and theoretical approaches that allow calculating the efficiency limits of c-Si solar cells as a function of silicon thickness. For a given material quality, the optimal thickness is determined by a trade-off between the competing needs of high optical absorption (requiring a thicker absorbing layer) and of efficient carrier collection (best achieved by a thin silicon layer). The efficiency limits can be calculated by solving the transport equations in the assumption of optimal (Lambertian) light trapping, which can be achieved by inserting proper photonic structures in the solar cell architecture. The effects of extrinsic (bulk and surface) recombinations on the conversion efficiency are discussed. We also show how the main conclusions and trends can be described using relatively simple analytic models. Prospects for overcoming the 29% limit by means of silicon/perovskite tandems are briefly discussed.

Appropriate and rational management of the energy produced by renewable energy sources is one of the most urgent challenges for the global energy sector. This paper is devoted to the systematic experimental and theoretical studies of a modular solar charger based on silicon and dye-sensitized solar cells as an energy source, and supercapacitor as an energy bank. Using the MathCAD program, I–V characteristics were plotted for both a single cell and a photovoltaic module based on various series-to-parallel connections. To assess the surface quality of the modules, additional tests using a thermal imaging camera were carried out as well. The charging characteristics of the supercapacitor (two series-connected cells with a capacity of 300 F), were determined depending on the parameters of the photovoltaic module as well as considering the influence of the voltage balancing system and control system. The charge, discharge, and recharge characteristics were carefully analyzed to optimize the operating conditions, i.e. the number of photovoltaic cells. To evaluate the stability of parameters with operation time, and their temperature dependence (17–65 °C), solar modules were tested for ten days under Central European weather conditions. Importantly, a comparative analysis of solar chargers based on different configurations of photovoltaic cells showed an increase in electrical parameters for the proposed modular inorganic–organic concept compared to dye-sensitized solar cells produced alone on a rigid substrate. Finally, preliminary assumptions (requirements) were developed regarding the electrical and optical parameters for new dye-sensitized solar cells that could be used in the innovative solar charger instead of silicon cells along with a predicted role of artificial intelligence (AI) in these devices.

Solar energy has gained prominence because of the increasing global attention received by renewable energies. This shift can be attributed to advancements and innovations in solar cell technology, which include developments of various photovoltaic materials, such as thin film and tandem solar cells, in addition to silicon-based solar cells. The latter is the most widely commercialized type of solar cell because of its exceptional durability, long-term stability, and high photoconversion efficiency; consequently, the demand for Si solar cells has been consistently increasing. PV modules are designed for an operation lifespan of 25–30 years, which has led to a gradual increase in the number of end-of-life PV modules. The appropriate management of both end-of-life and prematurely failed PV modules is critical for the recovery and separation of valuable and hazardous materials. Effective methods for end-of-life PV waste management are necessary to minimize their environmental impact and facilitate transition to a more sustainable and circular economy. This paper offers a comprehensive overview of the separation processes for silicon PV modules and summarizes the attempts to design easily recyclable modules for sustainable solar module development. Based on the studies summarized in this paper, suggestions are provided for future research.

Enhancement of the electromagnetic properties of metallic nanostructures constitute an extensive research field related to plasmonics. The latter term is derived from plasmons, which are quanta corresponding to longitudinal waves that are propagating in matter by the collective motion of electrons. Plasmonics are increasingly finding wide application in sensing, microscopy, optical communications, biophotonics, and light trapping enhancement for solar energy conversion. Although the plasmonics field has relatively a short history of development, it has led to substantial advancement in enhancing the absorption of the solar spectrum and charge carrier separation efficiency. Recently, huge developments have been made in understanding the basic parameters and mechanisms governing the application of plasmonics, including the effects of nanoparticles’ size, arrangement, and geometry and how all these factors impact the dielectric field in the surrounding medium of the plasmons. This review article emphasizes recent developments, fundamentals, and fabrication techniques for plasmonic nanostructures while investigating their thermal effects and detailing light-trapping enhancement mechanisms. The mismatch effect of the front and back light grating for optimum light trapping is also discussed. Different arrangements of plasmonic nanostructures in photovoltaics for efficiency enhancement, plasmonics’ limitations, and modeling performance are also deeply explored.

The evolution of photovoltaic cells is intrinsically linked to advancements in the materials from which they are fabricated. This review paper provides an in-depth analysis of the latest developments in silicon-based, organic, and perovskite solar cells, which are at the forefront of photovoltaic research. We scrutinize the unique characteristics, advantages, and limitations of each material class, emphasizing their contributions to efficiency, stability, and commercial viability. Silicon-based cells are explored for their enduring relevance and recent innovations in crystalline structures. Organic photovoltaic cells are examined for their flexibility and potential for low-cost production, while perovskites are highlighted for their remarkable efficiency gains and ease of fabrication. The paper also addresses the challenges of material stability, scalability, and environmental impact, offering a balanced perspective on the current state and future potential of these material technologies.