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Si microwire solar cells: improved efficiency with a conformal SiO2 layer.
Kwanyong Seo1, Young J Yu, Peter Duane
1School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA.
ACS Nano
|May 14, 2013
Summary
Researchers developed efficient silicon (Si) microwire array solar cells, achieving up to 10.6% conversion efficiency. A silicon dioxide (SiO2) coating enhanced performance by reducing light reflection.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Renewable Energy
- Semiconductor Physics
Background:
- Silicon microwire arrays are promising for efficient, cost-effective solar cells.
- Thin silicon absorption regions are desirable for reduced material usage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on efficient silicon microwire array solar cells.
- To investigate the impact of a silicon dioxide coating on cell performance.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of silicon microwire array solar cells with 1 cm(2) active area.
- Conformal coating of microwires with a 200 nm silicon dioxide layer.
- Performance characterization under Air Mass 1.5 Global illumination.
Main Results:
- Achieved a maximum conversion efficiency of 10.6% for Si microwire array solar cells.
- Recorded an open-circuit voltage of 0.56 V, short-circuit current density of 25.2 mA/cm(2), and fill factor of 75.2%.
- The SiO2 coating improved efficiency from 8.71% to 10.6% by significantly reducing reflection across the visible spectrum.
Conclusions:
- Silicon microwire array solar cells offer a viable path to high-efficiency photovoltaics.
- Conformal SiO2 coatings are effective in enhancing light absorption and overall solar cell performance.
- Further optimization could lead to even higher efficiencies for thin-film silicon solar technologies.
