Multijunction solar cells for conversion of concentrated sunlight to electricity
1National Center for Photovoltaics, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 1617 Cole Blvd., Golden, CO 80401, USA. sarah.kurtz@nrel.gov
Optics Express
|July 1, 2010
Summary
High-efficiency solar cells exceeding 40% utilize multiple materials and epitaxial growth on single-crystal substrates. Concentration systems enhance performance, making these advanced solar cells practical for electricity generation.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Renewable Energy
- Semiconductor Physics
Background:
- Solar-cell efficiencies have surpassed 40% recently.
- Key factors include multi-material use, epitaxial growth, and concentration.
- Lattice-matched epitaxial growth is crucial for high-quality semiconductors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explain the factors contributing to high solar-cell efficiencies.
- To highlight the role of material selection and growth techniques.
- To discuss the integration of high-efficiency cells into concentrator systems.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent advancements in solar-cell technology.
- Analysis of material properties and growth techniques for high efficiency.
- Examination of the benefits of concentrator systems.
Main Results:
- Multi-material solar cells have demonstrated efficiencies over 40%.
- Epitaxial growth on lattice-matched substrates yields near-perfect semiconductor quality.
- Concentrator systems offer significant advantages for electricity generation.
Conclusions:
- The combination of advanced materials, precise growth methods, and concentration is key to achieving >40% solar-cell efficiency.
- These high-efficiency cells are suitable for integration into concentrator photovoltaic systems.
- Concentration offers practical benefits for large-scale electricity generation using advanced solar cells.
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