Sample records for request solar cell
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2012-01-19
... Request: Solar Cell: A Mobile UV Manager for Smart Phones (NCI) SUMMARY: In compliance with the... Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. Proposed Collection: Title: Solar Cell: A Mobile UV... Collection: The overall goal of the study is to design a smart phone application, Solar Cell, which uses...
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2012-04-13
...). Pre-test 245 1 20/60 82 (Appendix A). Post-test 245 1 40/60 163 (Appendix B). Totals 308 Request for... of the study is to design a smart phone application, Solar Cell, which uses smart phone technology to...
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75 FR 56527 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2010-09-16
... manufactured, shipped, and/or imported solar thermal collectors and/or photovoltaic modules and cells. The EIA... request. SUMMARY: The EIA has submitted the forms EIA-63A, ``Annual Solar Thermal Collector Manufacturers Survey,'' EIA-63B, ``Annual Photovoltaic Module/Cell Manufacturers Survey,'' and the EIA-902, ``Annual...
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2012-01-27
... Screener........ 1,875 1 2/60 63 (Appendix G).... (0.03) Pre-test........ 245 1 20/60 82 (Appendix A).... (0.33) Post-test...... 245 1 40/60 163 (Appendix B).... (0.66) Totals 2,365 308 Request for Comments...
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Photovoltaics Innovation Roadmap Request for Information Summary
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
None, None
On June 28, 2017, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) released the Photovoltaics (PV) Innovation Roadmap Request for Information (RFI) for public response and comment. The RFI sought feedback from PV stakeholders, including research and commercial communities, about the most important research and development (R&D) pathways to improve PV cell and module technology to reach the SETO’s SunShot 2030 cost targets of $0.03/W for utility PV installations, $0.04/W for commercial scale installations, and $0.05/W for residential PV installations.
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76 FR 14996 - Request for Certification of Compliance-Rural Industrialization Loan and Grant Program
Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2011-03-18
... 4279-2) for the following: Applicant/Location: SoloPower, Inc., Wilsonville, Oregon. Principal Product... capacity by opening a new facility in Wilsonville, Oregon. The NAICS industry code for this enterprise is: 334413 (Solar cells manufacturing). DATES: All interested parties may submit comments in writing no later...
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2011-09-07
... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. ER11-4380-000] Bellevue Solar, LLC; Supplemental Notice That Initial Market- Based Rate Filing Includes Request for Blanket... Solar, LLC's application for market-based rate authority, with an accompanying rate tariff, noting that...
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2012-08-13
... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. ER12-2405-000] Helvetia Solar, LLC; Supplemental Notice That Initial Market- Based Rate Filing Includes Request for Blanket... Solar, LLC's application for market-based rate authority, with an accompanying rate schedule, noting...
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2011-09-07
... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [ Docket No. ER11-4381-000] Yamhill Solar, LLC; Supplemental Notice That Initial Market-Based Rate Filing Includes Request for Blanket... Solar, LLC's application for market-based rate authority, with an accompanying rate tariff, noting that...
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2012-09-24
... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. ER12-2627-000] Catalina Solar, LLC; Supplemental Notice that Initial Market- Based Rate Filing Includes Request for Blanket... Solar, LLC's application for market-based rate authority, with an accompanying rate schedule, noting...
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2013-10-10
... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. ER13-2490-000] Simon Solar, LLC; Supplemental Notice That Initial Market-Based Rate Filing Includes Request for Blanket Section 204 Authorization This is a supplemental notice in the above-referenced proceeding, of Simon Solar...
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2013-08-14
... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. ER13-2107-000] Solar Partners I, LLC; Supplemental Notice That Initial Market- Based Rate Filing Includes Request for Blanket Section 204 Authorization This is a supplemental notice in the above-referenced proceeding of Solar...
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2011-07-11
... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. ER11-3917-000] Mojave Solar LLC; Supplemental Notice That Initial Market-Based Rate Filing Includes Request for Blanket Section 204 Authorization This is a supplemental notice in the above-referenced proceeding of Mojave Solar LLC...
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2012-05-04
... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. ER12-1626-000] Topaz Solar Farms LLC; Supplemental Notice That Initial Market- Based Rate Filing Includes Request for Blanket Section 204 Authorization This is a supplemental notice in the above-referenced proceeding of Topaz Solar...
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2011-07-13
... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. ER11-3987-000] Mesquite Solar 1, LLC; Supplemental Notice That Initial Market- Based Rate Filing Includes Request for Blanket... Solar 1, LLC's application for market-based rate authority, with an accompanying rate tariff, noting...
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2013-08-14
... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. ER13-2112-000] Genesis Solar, LLC; Supplemental Notice That Initial Market- Based Rate Filing Includes Request for Blanket Section 204 Authorization This is a supplemental notice in the above-referenced proceeding of Genesis Solar...
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2011-01-20
... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. ER11-2649-000] 3C Solar LLC; Supplemental Notice That Initial Market-Based Rate Filing Includes Request for Blanket Section 204 Authorization January 12, 2011. This is a supplemental notice in the above-referenced proceeding 3C Solar LLC's...
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2012-10-24
... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. ER13-29-000] BITH Solar 1, LLC; Supplemental Notice That Initial Market-Based Rate Filing Includes Request for Blanket Section 204 Authorization This is a supplemental notice in the above-referenced proceeding of BITH Solar 1...
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2012-07-13
... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. ER12-2178-000] AV Solar Ranch 1, LLC; Supplemental Notice That Initial Market- Based Rate Filing Includes Request for Blanket Section 204 Authorization This is a supplemental notice in the above-referenced proceeding of AV Solar...
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Solar Requests for Proposals | State, Local, and Tribal Governments | NREL
who have a lot of experience in this area may handle the process on their own while others may decide greatest number of respondents and give the agency the greatest number of options. Solar RFP Elements As to the selection criteria. Sources Solar Powering Your Community: Key Elements of Solar Requests for
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NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
1977-01-01
Among a number of solar energy tests being jointly conducted by NASA's Lewis Research Center and the Energy Research and Development Administration are a sun-powered refrigerator and a back-pack mounted power supply for radios. Both use solar cells, spacecraft power sources which convert sun energy into electricity. The refrigerator, which has potential utility for outdoor campers, is in operation at a trail construction camp in Isle Royale National Park, a remote wilderness in Michigan's Lake Superior where electricity is available only at park headquarters. Trail maintenance crews working in the back country get food supplies only once weekly; with refrigeration they can enjoy a more varied and nutritious diet. Solar cells provide power to run the refrigerator and to charge its batteries for an alternate power supply when sun is not available. At the request of Znyo National Forest personnel NASA-Lewis also developed a back-pack system. The lightweight solar cell pack (on the pack strap in photo) charges batteries for portable two-way radios used by trailguards, who are on patrol for as much as two weeks at a time. Guards want continuous communication with the District Station, but battery capacity precludes such operation. With the solar cell power supply, guards can use their radios 24 hours a day.A lightweight, higher-capacity oxygen bottle-derived from rocket propellant tank technology-proved an important aid in the 1976 ascent to the summit of Mt. Everest by members of the. American Bicentennial Everest Expedition.
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2010-12-09
... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. ER11-2196-000] San Luis Solar, LLC; Supplemental Notice That Initial Market- Based Rate Filing Includes Request for Blanket... proceeding of San Luis [[Page 76727
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Energizing Government Decision-Makers with the Facts on Solar Technology, Policy, and Integration
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
The Solar Technical Assistance Team (STAT) is a network of solar technology and implementation experts who provide timely, unbiased expertise to assist policymakers and regulators in making informed decisions about solar programs and policies. Government officials can submit requests directly to the STAT for technical assistance. STAT then partners with experts in solar policy, regulation, finance, technology, and other areas to deliver accurate, up-to-date information to state and local decision makers. The STAT responds to requests on a wide range of issues -- including, but not limited to, feed-in tariffs, renewable portfolio standards, rate design, program design, workforce and economicmore » impacts of solar on jurisdictions, and project financing.« less
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Tailor cutting of crystalline solar cells by laser micro jet
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Bruckert, F.; Pilat, E.; Piron, P.; Torres, P.; Carron, B.; Richerzhagen, B.; Pirot, M.; Monna, R.
2012-03-01
Coupling a laser into a hair thin water micro jet (Laser Micro Jet, LMJ) for cutting applications offers a wide range of processes that are quite unique. As the laser beam is guided by internal reflections inside of a liquid cylinder, the cuts are naturally straight and do not reflect any divergence as otherwise occurs with an unguided laser beam. Furthermore, having a liquid media at the point of contact ensures a fast removal of heat and eventual debris ensuring clean cuts, which are free of any burrs. Many applications have indeed been developed for a large variety of materials, which are as different as e.g. diamond, silicon, aluminum, ceramic and hard metals. The photovoltaic industry has enjoyed in the last decades tremendous growth rates, which are still projected into the future. We focus here on the segment of Building Integrated PV (BIPV), which requests tailored solutions to actual buildings and not-one-fits-it-all standardized modules. Having the option to tailor cut solar cells opens a new field of BIPV applications. For the first time, finished crystalline solar cells have been LMJ cut into predetermined shapes. First results show that the cut is clean and neat. Preliminary solar performance measurements are positive. This opens a new avenue of tailored made modules instead of having to rely on the one-fits-alloy approach used so far.
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78 FR 28841 - Quartzsite Solar Energy Project Record of Decision (DOE/EIS-0440)
Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2013-05-16
... proposed Project would contain the central receiver or tower, a solar field consisting of mirrors or... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Western Area Power Administration Quartzsite Solar Energy Project Record of...), received a request from Quartzsite Solar Energy, LLC (QSE) to interconnect its proposed Quartzsite Solar...
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Improvements in Modeling Thruster Plume Erosion Damage to Spacecraft Surfaces
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Soares, Carlos; Olsen, Randy; Steagall, Courtney; Huang, Alvin; Mikatarian, Ron; Myers, Brandon; Koontz, Steven; Worthy, Erica
2015-01-01
Spacecraft bipropellant thrusters impact spacecraft surfaces with high speed droplets of unburned and partially burned propellant. These impacts can produce erosion damage to optically sensitive hardware and systems (e.g., windows, camera lenses, solar cells and protective coatings). On the International Space Station (ISS), operational constraints are levied on the position and orientation of the solar arrays to mitigate erosion effects during thruster operations. In 2007, the ISS Program requested evaluation of erosion constraint relief to alleviate operational impacts due to an impaired Solar Alpha Rotary Joint (SARJ). Boeing Space Environments initiated an activity to identify and remove sources of conservatism in the plume induced erosion model to support an expanded range of acceptable solar array positions ? The original plume erosion model over-predicted plume erosion and was adjusted to better correlate with flight experiment results. This paper discusses findings from flight experiments and the methodology employed in modifying the original plume erosion model for better correlation of predictions with flight experiment data. The updated model has been successful employed in reducing conservatism and allowing for enhanced flexibility in ISS solar array operations.
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State Solar Technical Assistance | State, Local, and Tribal Governments |
NREL State Solar Technical Assistance State Solar Technical Assistance Request Assistance Subscribe to Email Updates NREL provides direct technical assistance to state and local governments on expert testimony on policy best practices. The Solar Technical Assistance Team (STAT) Network is designed
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This presentation from a Solar Utilization in Higher Education Networking and Information webinar covers contracts, Request for Proposals (RFPs), and administrative issues related to solar project development in the higher education sector.
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Solar Technical Assistance Team 2013 Webinars | State, Local, and Tribal
following sessions are available: Solar Finance for Residential and Commercial Customers and Potential Roles Requests for Proposal Solar Finance for Residential and Commercial Customers and Potential Roles of State residential and commercial solar projects are financed and the various roles that state and local governments
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78 FR 45523 - Catalina Solar, LLC; Notice of Petition for Declaratory Order
Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2013-07-29
... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. EL13-77-000] Catalina Solar... 18 CFR 385.207 and 385.212, Catalina Solar, LLC filed a petition for declaratory order requesting the Commission disclaim jurisdiction under section 201 of the Federal Power Act over Catalina Solar because it...
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2012-12-28
... traditional steam turbine generators. The Project would contain the central receiver or tower, a solar field... the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Quartzsite Solar Energy Project and the Yuma Field...: Notice of Availability. SUMMARY: Quartzsite Solar Energy (QSE) has requested to interconnect the...
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Conservation and solar energy program: congressional budget request, FY 1982
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
None
1981-01-01
Funding summaries are presented for the Conservation and Solar Energy Program funding information and program overview on energy conservation (Volume 7 of 7, DOE/CR-0011/2) are included for the Buildings and Community Systems, Industrial, Transportation; State and Local, Multi-Sector, Energy Impact Assistance, and Residential/Commercial retrofit programs. Funding information and program overviews on solar technology (Volume 2 of 7, DOE/CR-011/2) are included for Active and Passive Solar Heating and Cooling, Photovoltaics Energy Systems, Solar Thermal Power Systems, Biomass Energy Systems, Wind Energy Conversion Systems, Ocean Systems, Solar International Activities, Solar Information Systems, SERI Facility, MX-RES, Program Direction, and Alcohol Fuels programs. Informationmore » and overviews on energy production, demonstration, and distribution (Volume 6 of 7, DOE/CR-0011/2) are given for the solar program. A funding summary and a program overview are included for electrochemical and physical and chemical storage systems as appearing in DOE/CR-0011/2, Volume 3 of 7. Relevant tabulated data from the FY 1981. Request to the Congress are presented for Supplementals, Rescissions, and Deferrals. (MCW)« less
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76 FR 38143 - Proposed Agency Information Collection
Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2011-06-29
... Recordkeeping Cost Burden: $0. Statutory Authority: These activities are authorized under the Solar Photovoltaic... Title: Solar Market Indicators: Data collection from local jurisdictions and other relevant regional... solar system costs; (3) Type of Request: New collection; (4) Purpose: The DOE will use this information...
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2011-07-15
...] Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Ocotillo Sol Solar Project... (ROW) authorization request for the Ocotillo Sol Solar Energy Facility (Project), a 15-18 megawatt (MW) solar energy facility. By this notice, the BLM is announcing the beginning of the scoping process to...
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2010-10-28
... development agreement with Solar Millennium and requested that the project be assigned to Palo Verde Solar I...) transmission line will be constructed to interconnect to the Devers-Palo Verde II 500-kV transmission line at...
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75 FR 17702 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request
Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2010-04-07
... Forms: EIA-63A, ``Annual Solar Thermal Collector/Reflector Shipments Report.'' EIA-63B, ``Annual...://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/solar.renewables/page/fed_register/renewable_2011.html . SUPPLEMENTARY...) under Section 3507(a) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. Form EIA-63A, ``Annual Solar Thermal...
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2013-06-07
... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. ER13-1562-000] Catalina Solar Lessee, LLC; Supplemental Notice That Initial Market-Based Rate Filing Includes Request for... Catalina Solar Lessee, LLC's application for market-based rate authority, with an accompanying rate...
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2013-10-15
... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. ER14-21-000] Mountain View Solar, LLC; Supplemental Notice That Initial Market-Based Rate Filing Includes Request for Blanket... View Solar, LLC's application for market-based rate authority, with an accompanying rate schedule...
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2013-06-07
... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. ER13-1561-000] Centinela Solar Energy, LLC; Supplemental Notice That Initial Market-Based Rate Filing Includes Request for... Centinela Solar Energy, LLC's application for market-based rate authority, with an accompanying rate...
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2010-01-13
... Inc.'s application for a right-of-way authorization to develop a solar photovoltaic generating... requested a right-of-way authorization to develop a solar photovoltaic generating facility with a proposed... LVRWB09B2520] Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed First Solar Desert...
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76 FR 82291 - Combined Notice of Filings #2
Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2011-12-30
... 12/30/11. Docket Numbers: ER12-21-002. Applicants: Agua Caliente Solar, LLC. Description: Notice of Change in Status and Request for Expedited Action of Agua Caliente Solar, LLC. Filed Date: 12/20/11...
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78 FR 7523 - Small Generator Interconnection Agreements and Procedures
Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2013-02-01
... requests and the growth in solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, driven in part by state renewable energy.... Background 6 A. Order No. 2006 6 B. Solar Energy Industries Association Petition.. 12 III. Need for Reform 18... of a DC generator to alternating voltage and current. For example, the output of a solar panel is DC...
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2011-07-25
... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. ER11-4055-000] Copper Mountain Solar 1, LLC; Supplemental Notice That Initial Market-Based Rate Filing Includes Request for... Copper Mountain Solar 1, LLC's application for market-based rate authority, with an accompanying rate...
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2012-04-04
... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. ER12-1316-000] Silver State Solar Power North, LLC; Supplemental Notice That Initial Market-Based Rate Filing Includes Request for... Silver State Solar Power North, LLC's application for market-based rate authority, with an accompanying...
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2011-10-18
... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. ER12-32-000] Silver State Solar Power North LLC; Supplemental Notice That Initial Market-Based Rate Filing Includes Request for... Silver State Solar Power North, LLC's application for market-based rate authority, with an accompanying...
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2012-04-25
... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. ER12-1566-000] Cooper Mountain Solar 2, LLC; Supplemental Notice That Initial Market-Based Rate Filing Includes Request for... Cooper Mountain Solar 2, LLC's application for market-based rate authority, with an accompanying rate...
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2013-05-17
... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. ER13-1441-000] Solar Star California XIX, LLC; Supplemental Notice that Initial Market-Based Rate Filing Includes Request for Blanket Section 204 Authorization This is a supplemental notice in the above-referenced proceeding, of Solar Star...
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2011-10-13
... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. ER12-21-000] Agua Caliente Solar, LLC; Supplemental Notice That Initial Market-Based Rate Filing Includes Request for Blanket... Caliente Solar, LLC's application for market-based rate authority, with an accompanying rate tariff, noting...
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2013-08-02
... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. ER13-2020-000 ] Solar Partners II, LLC; Supplemental Notice That Initial Market- Based Rate Filing Includes Request for Blanket..., of Solar Partners II, LLC's application for market-based rate authority, with an accompanying rate...
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2013-05-17
... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. ER13-1442-000] Solar Star California XX, LLC; Supplemental Notice that Initial Market-Based Rate Filing Includes Request for Blanket Section 204 Authorization This is a supplemental notice in the above-referenced proceeding, of Solar Star...
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2013-01-24
... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. ER13-764-000] CED White River Solar, LLC; Supplemental Notice That Initial Market-Based Rate Filing Includes Request for Blanket... River Solar, LLC's application for market-based rate authority, with an accompanying rate schedule...
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2011-05-27
... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. ER11-3589-000] Long Island Solar Farm, LLC; Supplemental Notice That Initial Market-Based Rate Filing Includes Request for Blanket... Solar Farm, LLC's application for market-based rate authority, with an accompanying rate tariff, noting...
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2012-08-13
... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. ER12-2398-000] NRG Solar Borrego I LLC; Supplemental Notice That Initial Market- Based Rate Filing Includes Request for Blanket Section 204 Authorization This is a supplemental notice in the above-referenced proceeding, of NRG Solar...
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2012-06-22
... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. ER12-2019-000] NRG Solar Avra Valley LLC; Supplemental Notice That Initial Market-Based Rate Filing Includes Request for Blanket Section 204 Authorization This is a supplemental notice in the above-referenced proceeding of NRG Solar...
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2013-05-16
... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. ER13-1430-000] Arlington Valley Solar Energy II, LLC; Supplemental Notice That Initial Market-Based Rate Filing Includes Request..., of Arlington Valley Solar Energy II, LLC's application for market-based rate authority, with an...
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2011-06-03
... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. ER11-3635-000] Hatch Solar Energy Center 1, LLC; Supplemental Notice That Initial Market-Based Rate Filing Includes Request for... Hatch Solar Energy Center 1, LLC's application for market-based rate authority, with an accompanying...
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Revised congressional budget request, FY 1982. Conservation and renewable energy program
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Not Available
1981-03-01
Programs dealing with conservation and renewable energy are reprinted from the Revised Congressional Budget Request FY 1982. From Volume 7, Energy Conservation, information is presented on: buildings and community systems; industrial programs; transportation programs; state and local programs; inventor's program energy conversion technology; energy impact assistance; and residential/commercial retrofit. From Volume 2, Energy Supply Research and Development, information and data are presented on: solar building applications; solar industrial applications; solar power applications; solar information systems; SERI facility; solar international activities; alcohol fuels; geothermal; and hydropower. From Volume 6, Energy Production, Demonstration, and Distribution, information and data on solar energy production,more » demonstration, and distribution are presented. From Volume 3, Energy Supply and R and D Appropriation, information and data on electric energy systems and energy storage systems are included. From Volume 4, information and data are included on geothermal resources development fund. In Volume 5, Power Marketing Administrations, information and data are presented on estimates by appropriations, positions and staff years by appropriation, staffing distribution, and power marketing administrations. Recissions and deferrals for FY 1981 are given. (MCW)« less
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2011-12-02
... purchase equipment to produce 75,000 solar panels annually in a plant located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi... 4279-2) for the following: Applicant/Location: Stion Solar Mississippi, LLC & Stion Equipment Leasing...
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Analysis of Extended Z-source Inverter for Photovoltaic System
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Prakash, G.; Subramani, C.; Dhineshkumar, K.; Rayavel, P.
2018-04-01
The Z-source inverter has picked up prominence as a solitary stage buck-support inverter topology among numerous specialists. Notwithstanding, its boosting capacity could be constrained, and in this manner, it may not be reasonable for a few applications requiring high lift request of falling other dc-dc help converters. The Z-source inverter is a recent converter topology that exhibits both voltage-buck and voltage-boost capability This could lose the effectiveness and request all the more detecting for controlling the additional new stages. This paper is proposing another group of broadened help semi Z - source inverter (ZSI) to fill the exploration hole left in the improvement of ZSI. These new topologies can be worked with same regulation strategies that were produced for unique ZSI. Likewise, they have a similar number of dynamic switches as unique ZSI saving the single-organize nature of ZSI. Proposed topologies are dissected in the enduring state and their exhibitions are approved utilizing recreated comes about acquired in MATLAB/Simulink. Besides, they are tentatively approved with comes about acquired from a model created in the research facility. The trend of fast increase of the PV energy use is related to the increasing efficiency of solar cells as well as the improvements of manufacturing technology of solar panels.
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2011-05-06
... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. ER11-3459-000] NRG Solar Roadrunner LLC; Supplemental Notice That Initial Market-Based Rate Filing Includes Request for Blanket... 26283
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New Partnerships Help Utilities Break Down Solar Barriers | News | NREL
local customers. Due to the small size of many member organizations and customer bases, some members face a challenge in accommodating customer requests to interconnect customer-sited solar photovoltaic supported the growth of customer-sited solar PV installations in recent years. In response to customer
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SolarPILOT Feature Requests and Collaboration | Concentrating Solar Power |
DOE of the CSP community's needs. As of March 2018, SolarPILOT is also available as an open source project. While not every project benefits from an open source approach, several factors influenced this , but lack of availability has, in some cases, prevented widespread adoption of a common platform. Open
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Microgrid-Ready Solar PV - Planning for Resiliency
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Booth, Samuel S
2017-10-17
This fact sheet provides background information on microgrids with suggested language for several up-front considerations that can be added to a solar project procurement or request for proposal (RFP) that will help ensure that PV systems are built for future microgrid connection.
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2013-04-29
...; 30-Day Comment Request: Request for Human Embryonic Stem Cell Line To Be Approved for Use in NIH... Embryonic Stem Cell Line to be Approved for Use in NIH-Funded Research, 0925-0601, Expiration Date 04/30... Information Collection: The form is used by applicants to request that human embryonic stem cell lines be...
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77 FR 24481 - Combined Notice of Filings #1
Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2012-04-24
... Power North, LLC. Description: Silver State Solar Power North LLC Baseline Tariff Amendment to be... Market Power Update of CPV Batesville, LLC. Filed Date: 3/21/12. Accession Number: 20120321-5067...: ER12-799-000. Applicants: Nevada Solar One, LLC. Description: Supplement to Request for Determination...
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Gap/silicon Tandem Solar Cell with Extended Temperature Range
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Landis, Geoffrey A. (Inventor)
2006-01-01
A two-junction solar cell has a bottom solar cell junction of crystalline silicon, and a top solar cell junction of gallium phosphide. A three (or more) junction solar cell has bottom solar cell junctions of silicon, and a top solar cell junction of gallium phosphide. The resulting solar cells exhibit improved extended temperature operation.
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Chen, Guanying; Ning, Zhijun; Ågren, Hans
2016-08-09
We are glad to announce the Special Issue "Nanostructured Solar Cells", published in Nanomaterials. This issue consists of eight articles, two communications, and one review paper, covering major important aspects of nanostructured solar cells of varying types. From fundamental physicochemical investigations to technological advances, and from single junction solar cells (silicon solar cell, dye sensitized solar cell, quantum dots sensitized solar cell, and small molecule organic solar cell) to tandem multi-junction solar cells, all aspects are included and discussed in this issue to advance the use of nanotechnology to improve the performance of solar cells with reduced fabrication costs.
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Module level solutions to solar cell polarization
Xavier, Grace , Li; Bo, [San Jose, CA
2012-05-29
A solar cell module includes interconnected solar cells, a transparent cover over the front sides of the solar cells, and a backsheet on the backsides of the solar cells. The solar cell module includes an electrical insulator between the transparent cover and the front sides of the solar cells. An encapsulant protectively packages the solar cells. To prevent polarization, the insulator has resistance suitable to prevent charge from leaking from the front sides of the solar cells to other portions of the solar cell module by way of the transparent cover. The insulator may be attached (e.g., by coating) directly on an underside of the transparent cover or be a separate layer formed between layers of the encapsulant. The solar cells may be back junction solar cells.
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Communicating Solar Astronomy to the public
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Yaji, Kentaro; Solar Observatory NAOJ, The
2015-08-01
The Sun is the nearest star to us, so that the public is greatly interested in the Sun itself and in solar activity. The Solar Observatory, National Astronomical Observatory of Japan is one of the solar research divisions. Various data of the Sun obtained with our instruments, systematically accumulated more than one hundred years since 1910s, are open to not only researchers but also the public as online database. So, we have many chances that the public request solar images for the education and the media. In addition, we release daily solar observation informations on the web and with social media and guide visitors to our observation facilities. It is reviewed about the public relations and outreach activities of the Solar Observatory, including recent solar observation topics.
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Recent advances of flexible hybrid perovskite solar cells
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Shin, Dong Hee; Heo, Jin Hyuck; Im, Sang Hyuk
2017-11-01
Recently, hybrid perovskite solar cells have attracted great interest because they can be fabricated to low cost, flexible, and highly efficient solar cells. Here, we introduced recent advances of flexible hybrid perovskite solar cells. We introduced research background of flexible perovskite solar cells in introduction part. Then we composed the main body to i) structure and properties of hybrid perovskite solar cells, ii) why flexible hybrid perovskite solar cells are important?, iii) transparent conducting oxide (TCO) based flexible hybrid perovskite solar cells, and iv) TCO-free transparent conducting electrode (TCE) based flexible hybrid perovskite solar cells. Finally, we summarized research outlook of flexible hybrid perovskite solar cells.
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2011-05-18
... Center (EPA/DC), Air and Radiation Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2007-0176, Mailcode: 2822T, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave... . FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jose Solar, Office of Transportation and Air Quality, Mail Code... number: (202) 343-9027; fax number: 202-343-2801; e-mail address: Solar[email protected] . SUPPLEMENTARY...
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2012-06-19
... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. ER12-1995-000] K Road Modesto Solar LLC; Supplemental Notice That Initial Market-Based Rate Filing Includes Request for Blanket Section 204 Authorization This is a supplemental notice in the above-referenced proceeding of K Road...
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2013-03-27
... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. ER13-1101-000] Spectrum Nevada Solar, LLC; Supplemental Notice That Initial Market-Based Rate Filing Includes Request for Blanket Section 204 Authorization This is a supplemental notice in the above-referenced proceeding, of Spectrum...
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2013-06-07
... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. ER13-1541-000] Campo Verde Solar, LLC; Supplemental Notice That Initial Market- Based Rate Filing Includes Request for Blanket Section 204 Authorization This is a supplemental notice in the above-referenced proceeding of Campo Verde...
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2010-10-20
... variety of products, including wind turbines; discrimination against foreign companies and goods... production and use of energy. These are the products necessary to produce energy from wind, solar, biomass... policies to stimulate and protect its domestic producers of green technology, from wind and solar energy...
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A theoretical analysis of the current-voltage characteristics of solar cells
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Fang, R. C. Y.; Hauser, J. R.
1979-01-01
The following topics are discussed: (1) dark current-voltage characteristics of solar cells; (2) high efficiency silicon solar cells; (3) short circuit current density as a function of temperature and the radiation intensity; (4) Keldysh-Franz effects and silicon solar cells; (5) thin silicon solar cells; (6) optimum solar cell designs for concentrated sunlight; (7) nonuniform illumination effects of a solar cell; and (8) high-low junction emitter solar cells.
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The Effect of Interface Cracks on the Electrical Performance of Solar Cells
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Kim, Hansung; Tofail, Md. Towfiq; John, Ciby
2018-04-01
Among a variety of solar cell types, thin-film solar cells have been rigorously investigated as cost-effective and efficient solar cells. In many cases, flexible solar cells are also fabricated as thin films and undergo frequent stress due to the rolling and bending modes of applications. These frequent motions result in crack initiation and propagation (including delamination) in the thin-film solar cells, which cause degradation in efficiency. Reliability evaluation of solar cells is essential for developing a new type of solar cell. In this paper, we investigated the effect of layer delamination and grain boundary crack on 3D thin-film solar cells. We used finite element method simulation for modeling of both electrical performance and cracked structure of 3D solar cells. Through simulations, we quantitatively calculated the effect of delamination length on 3D copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) solar cell performance. Moreover, it was confirmed that the grain boundary of CIGS could improve the solar cell performance and that grain boundary cracks could decrease cell performance by altering the open circuit voltage. In this paper, the investigated material is a CIGS solar cell, but our method can be applied to general polycrystalline solar cells.
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2013-02-28
... Comment Request: Request for Human Embryonic Stem Cell Line To Be Approved for Use in NIH Funded Research... Embryonic Stem Cell Line to be Approved for Use in NIH Funded Research. OMB No. 0925-0601-- Expiration Date... cell lines be approved for use in NIH funded research. Applicants may submit applications at any time...
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
The state-of-the-art in amorphous solar cells is reviewed in terms of polycrystalline silicon solar cells, single crystal silicon solar cells, and methods of characterizing solar cells, including dielectric liquid immersion to increase cell efficiency. Compound semiconductor solar cells are explored, and new structures and advanced solar cell materials are discussed. Film deposition techniques for fabricating amorphous solar cells are presented, and the characterization, in addition to the physics and the performance, of amorphous solar cells are examined.
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Photovoltaic solar concentrator
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Nielson, Gregory N.; Cruz-Campa, Jose Luis; Okandan, Murat
A process including forming a photovoltaic solar cell on a substrate, the photovoltaic solar cell comprising an anchor positioned between the photovoltaic solar cell and the substrate to suspend the photovoltaic solar cell from the substrate. A surface of the photovoltaic solar cell opposite the substrate is attached to a receiving substrate. The receiving substrate may be bonded to the photovoltaic solar cell using an adhesive force or a metal connecting member. The photovoltaic solar cell is then detached from the substrate by lifting the receiving substrate having the photovoltaic solar cell attached thereto and severing the anchor connecting themore » photovoltaic solar cell to the substrate. Depending upon the type of receiving substrate used, the photovoltaic solar cell may be removed from the receiving substrate or remain on the receiving substrate for use in the final product.« less
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Enhancing Solar Cell Efficiencies through 1-D Nanostructures
2009-01-01
The current global energy problem can be attributed to insufficient fossil fuel supplies and excessive greenhouse gas emissions resulting from increasing fossil fuel consumption. The huge demand for clean energy potentially can be met by solar-to-electricity conversions. The large-scale use of solar energy is not occurring due to the high cost and inadequate efficiencies of existing solar cells. Nanostructured materials have offered new opportunities to design more efficient solar cells, particularly one-dimensional (1-D) nanomaterials for enhancing solar cell efficiencies. These 1-D nanostructures, including nanotubes, nanowires, and nanorods, offer significant opportunities to improve efficiencies of solar cells by facilitating photon absorption, electron transport, and electron collection; however, tremendous challenges must be conquered before the large-scale commercialization of such cells. This review specifically focuses on the use of 1-D nanostructures for enhancing solar cell efficiencies. Other nanostructured solar cells or solar cells based on bulk materials are not covered in this review. Major topics addressed include dye-sensitized solar cells, quantum-dot-sensitized solar cells, and p-n junction solar cells.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Tayubi, Y. R.; Suhandi, A.; Samsudin, A.; Arifin, P.; Supriyatman
2018-05-01
Different approaches have been made in order to reach higher solar cells efficiencies. Concepts for multilayer solar cells have been developed. This can be realised if multiple individual single junction solar cells with different suitably chosen band gaps are connected in series in multi-junction solar cells. In our work, we have simulated and optimized solar cells based on the system mechanically stacked using computer simulation and predict their maximum performance. The structures of solar cells are based on the single junction GaAs, GaAs0.5Sb0.5 and GaSb cells. We have simulated each cell individually and extracted their optimal parameters (layer thickness, carrier concentration, the recombination velocity, etc), also, we calculated the efficiency of each cells optimized by separation of the solar spectrum in bands where the cell is sensible for the absorption. The optimal values of conversion efficiency have obtained for the three individual solar cells and the GaAs/GaAs0.5Sb0.5/GaSb tandem solar cells, that are: η = 19,76% for GaAs solar cell, η = 8,42% for GaAs0,5Sb0,5 solar cell, η = 4, 84% for GaSb solar cell and η = 33,02% for GaAs/GaAs0.5Sb0.5/GaSb tandem solar cell.
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International Space Station Columbus Payload SoLACES Degradation Assessment
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Harman, William; Schmidl, William; Mikatarian, Ron; Soares, Carlos; Schmidtke, Gerhard; Erhardt, Christian
2014-01-01
SOLAR is a European Space Agency (ESA) payload deployed on the International Space Station (ISS) and located on the Columbus Laboratory. It is located on the Columbus External Payload Facility in a zenith location. The objective of the SOLAR payload is to study the Sun. The SOLAR payload consists of three instruments that allow for measurement of virtually the entire electromagnetic spectrum (17 nm to 100 um). The three payload instruments are SOVIM (SOlar Variable and Irradiance Monitor), SOLSPEC (SOLar SPECctral Irradiance measurements), and SolACES (SOLar Auto-Calibrating Extreme UV/UV Spectrophotometers). The SolACES payload includes a set of 4 spectrometers that measure the solar EUV flux from 17 nm to 220 nm. One of these 4 spectrometers failed early on (before deployment). EUV data is important in understanding the solar dynamo. Also, EUV flux is the source of most of the ionization that produces the ionosphere plasma. Plasma production is important in understanding the ionosphere environment. The ionosphere conditions affect many subjects including spacecraft charging, dynamo processes, instabilities, and communications. The 3 remaining spectrometers have collected valuable data during the historically low solar cycle 24. Some of this data will be presented. A significant trend in degradation of the remaining SolACES spectrometers was observed towards the end of CY2010 (GMT 310) through mid CY 2011 (GMT 132). The Principle Investigators of SolACES initiated a Mission Evaluation Room (MER) Chit to request an investigation of the degradation in CY 2011 (GMT 230). The Boeing Space Environments team was asked to respond to the ESA initiated MER Chit request to investigate the cause of the degradation. This paper will discuss the findings of that investigation.
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Planar photovoltaic solar concentrator module
Chiang, Clement J.
1992-01-01
A planar photovoltaic concentrator module for producing an electrical signal from incident solar radiation includes an electrically insulating housing having a front wall, an opposing back wall and a hollow interior. A solar cell having electrical terminals is positioned within the interior of the housing. A planar conductor is connected with a terminal of the solar cell of the same polarity. A lens forming the front wall of the housing is operable to direct solar radiation incident to the lens into the interior of the housing. A refractive optical element in contact with the solar cell and facing the lens receives the solar radiation directed into the interior of the housing by the lens and directs the solar radiation to the solar cell to cause the solar cell to generate an electrical signal. An electrically conductive planar member is positioned in the housing to rest on the housing back wall in supporting relation with the solar cell terminal of opposite polarity. The planar member is operable to dissipate heat radiated by the solar cell as the solar cell generates an electrical signal and further forms a solar cell conductor connected with the solar cell terminal to permit the electrical signal generated by the solar cell to be measured between the planar member and the conductor.
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Planar photovoltaic solar concentrator module
Chiang, C.J.
1992-12-01
A planar photovoltaic concentrator module for producing an electrical signal from incident solar radiation includes an electrically insulating housing having a front wall, an opposing back wall and a hollow interior. A solar cell having electrical terminals is positioned within the interior of the housing. A planar conductor is connected with a terminal of the solar cell of the same polarity. A lens forming the front wall of the housing is operable to direct solar radiation incident to the lens into the interior of the housing. A refractive optical element in contact with the solar cell and facing the lens receives the solar radiation directed into the interior of the housing by the lens and directs the solar radiation to the solar cell to cause the solar cell to generate an electrical signal. An electrically conductive planar member is positioned in the housing to rest on the housing back wall in supporting relation with the solar cell terminal of opposite polarity. The planar member is operable to dissipate heat radiated by the solar cell as the solar cell generates an electrical signal and further forms a solar cell conductor connected with the solar cell terminal to permit the electrical signal generated by the solar cell to be measured between the planar member and the conductor. 5 figs.
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Solar Cell Panel and the Method for Manufacturing the Same
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Sarver, Charles F. (Inventor); Richards, Benjamin C. (Inventor); Naidenkova, Maria (Inventor)
2016-01-01
According to an aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a solar cell panel and a method for manufacturing the same. The solar cell panel comprises: a solar cell for generating electric power from sunlight; a coverglass for covering the solar cell; transparent shims, which are disposed between the solar cell and the coverglass at the points where the distance between the solar cell and the coverglass needs to be controlled, and form a space between the solar cell and the coverglass; and adhesive layer, which fills the space between the solar cell and the coverglass and has the thickness the same as that of the transparent shims.
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Theoretical and experimental research in space photovoltaics
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Faur, Mircea; Faur, Maria
1995-01-01
Theoretical and experimental research is outlined for indium phosphide solar cells, other solar cells for space applications, fabrication and performance measurements of shallow homojunction InP solar cells for space applications, improved processing steps and InP material characterization with applications to fabrication of high efficiency radiation resistant InP solar cells and other opto-electronic InP devices, InP solar cells fabricated by thermal diffusion, experiment-based predicted high efficiency solar cells fabricated by closed-ampoule thermal diffusion, radiation resistance of diffused junction InP solar cells, chemical and electrochemical characterization and processing of InP diffused structures and solar cells, and progress in p(+)n InP diffused solar cells.
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NREL Scientists Report First Solar Cell Producing More Electrons In
Photocurrent Than Solar Photons Entering Cell | News | NREL NREL Scientists Report First Solar Cell Producing More Electrons In Photocurrent Than Solar Photons Entering Cell News Release: NREL Scientists Report First Solar Cell Producing More Electrons In Photocurrent Than Solar Photons Entering Cell
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Silicon solar cell process. Development, fabrication and analysis
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Yoo, H. I.; Iles, P. A.; Tanner, D. P.
1978-01-01
Solar cells were fabricated from unconventional silicon sheets, and the performances were characterized with an emphasis on statistical evaluation. A number of solar cell fabrication processes were used and conversion efficiency was measured under AMO condition at 25 C. Silso solar cells using standard processing showed an average efficiency of about 9.6%. Solar cells with back surface field process showed about the same efficiency as the cells from standard process. Solar cells from grain boundary passivation process did not show any improvements in solar cell performance.
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GaAs Solar Cell Radiation Handbook
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Anspaugh, B. E.
1996-01-01
History of GaAs solar cell development is provided. Photovoltaic equations are described along with instrumentation techniques for measuring solar cells. Radiation effects in solar cells, electrical performance, and spacecraft flight data for solar cells are discussed. The space radiation environment and solar array degradation calculations are addressed.
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A review of recent progress in heterogeneous silicon tandem solar cells
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Yamaguchi, Masafumi; Lee, Kan-Hua; Araki, Kenji; Kojima, Nobuaki
2018-04-01
Silicon solar cells are the most established solar cell technology and are expected to dominate the market in the near future. As state-of-the-art silicon solar cells are approaching the Shockley-Queisser limit, stacking silicon solar cells with other photovoltaic materials to form multi-junction devices is an obvious pathway to further raise the efficiency. However, many challenges stand in the way of fully realizing the potential of silicon tandem solar cells because heterogeneously integrating silicon with other materials often degrades their qualities. Recently, above or near 30% silicon tandem solar cell has been demonstrated, showing the promise of achieving high-efficiency and low-cost solar cells via silicon tandem. This paper reviews the recent progress of integrating solar cell with other mainstream solar cell materials. The first part of this review focuses on the integration of silicon with III-V semiconductor solar cells, which is a long-researched topic since the emergence of III-V semiconductors. We will describe the main approaches—heteroepitaxy, wafer bonding and mechanical stacking—as well as other novel approaches. The second part introduces the integration of silicon with polycrystalline thin-film solar cells, mainly perovskites on silicon solar cells because of its rapid progress recently. We will also use an analytical model to compare the material qualities of different types of silicon tandem solar cells and project their practical efficiency limits.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Takahashi, K.; Konagai, M.
The fabrication, performance, and applications of a-Si solar cells are discussed, summarizing the results of recent experimental investigations and trial installations. Topics examined include the fundamental principles and design strategies of solar power installations; the characteristics of monocrystalline-Si solar cells; techniques for reducing the cost of solar cells; independent, linked, and hybrid solar power systems; proposed satellite solar power systems; and the use of solar cells in consumer appliances. Consideration is given to the history of a-Si, a-Si fabrication techniques, quality criteria for a-Si films, solar cells based on a-Si, and techniques for increasing the efficiency and lowering the cost of a-Si solar cells. Graphs, diagrams, drawings, and black-and-white and color photographs are provided.
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DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Uzu, Hisashi, E-mail: Hisashi.Uzu@kaneka.co.jp, E-mail: npark@skku.edu; Ichikawa, Mitsuru; Hino, Masashi
2015-01-05
We have applied an optical splitting system in order to achieve very high conversion efficiency for a full spectrum multi-junction solar cell. This system consists of multiple solar cells with different band gap optically coupled via an “optical splitter.” An optical splitter is a multi-layered beam splitter with very high reflection in the shorter-wave-length range and very high transmission in the longer-wave-length range. By splitting the incident solar spectrum and distributing it to each solar cell, the solar energy can be managed more efficiently. We have fabricated optical splitters and used them with a wide-gap amorphous silicon (a-Si) solar cellmore » or a CH{sub 3}NH{sub 3}PbI{sub 3} perovskite solar cell as top cells, combined with mono-crystalline silicon heterojunction (HJ) solar cells as bottom cells. We have achieved with a 550 nm cutoff splitter an active area conversion efficiency of over 25% using a-Si and HJ solar cells and 28% using perovskite and HJ solar cells.« less
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NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Brandhorst, H. W., Jr.
1979-01-01
Progress in space solar cell research and technology is reported. An 18 percent-AMO-efficient silicon solar cell, reduction in the radiation damage suffered by silicon solar cells in space, and high efficiency wrap-around contact and thin (50 micrometer) coplanar back contact silicon cells are among the topics discussed. Reduction in the cost of silicon cells for space use, cost effective GaAs solar cells, the feasibility of 30 percent AMO solar energy conversion, and reliable encapsulants for space blankets are also considered.
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Recent progress in Si thin film technology for solar cells
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Kuwano, Yukinori; Nakano, Shoichi; Tsuda, Shinya
1991-11-01
Progress in Si thin film technology 'specifically amorphous Si (a-Si) and polycrystalline Si (poly-Si) thin film' for solar cells is summarized here from fabrication method, material, and structural viewpoints. In addition to a-Si, primary results on poly-Si thin film research are discussed. Various applications for a-Si solar cells are mentioned, and consumer applications and a-Si solar cell photovoltaic systems are introduced. New product developments include see-through solar cells, solar cell roofing tiles, and ultra-light flexible solar cells. As for new systems, air conditioning equipment powered by solar cells is described. Looking to the future, the proposed GENESIS project is discussed.
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2017-01-01
Perovskite/Si tandem solar cells have the potential to considerably out-perform conventional solar cells. Under standard test conditions, perovskite/Si tandem solar cells already outperform the Si single junction. Under realistic conditions, however, as we show, tandem solar cells made from current record cells are hardly more efficient than the Si cell alone. We model the performance of realistic perovskite/Si tandem solar cells under real-world climate conditions, by incorporating parasitic cell resistances, nonradiative recombination, and optical losses into the detailed-balance limit. We show quantitatively that when optimizing these parameters in the perovskite top cell, perovskite/Si tandem solar cells could reach efficiencies above 38% under realistic conditions, even while leaving the Si cell untouched. Despite the rapid efficiency increase of perovskite solar cells, our results emphasize the need for further material development, careful device design, and light management strategies, all necessary for highly efficient perovskite/Si tandem solar cells. PMID:28920081
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Futscher, Moritz H; Ehrler, Bruno
2017-09-08
Perovskite/Si tandem solar cells have the potential to considerably out-perform conventional solar cells. Under standard test conditions, perovskite/Si tandem solar cells already outperform the Si single junction. Under realistic conditions, however, as we show, tandem solar cells made from current record cells are hardly more efficient than the Si cell alone. We model the performance of realistic perovskite/Si tandem solar cells under real-world climate conditions, by incorporating parasitic cell resistances, nonradiative recombination, and optical losses into the detailed-balance limit. We show quantitatively that when optimizing these parameters in the perovskite top cell, perovskite/Si tandem solar cells could reach efficiencies above 38% under realistic conditions, even while leaving the Si cell untouched. Despite the rapid efficiency increase of perovskite solar cells, our results emphasize the need for further material development, careful device design, and light management strategies, all necessary for highly efficient perovskite/Si tandem solar cells.
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Ground-Level Solar Cosmic Ray Data from Solar Cycle 19
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Shea, M. A.
2003-01-01
The purpose of this grant was to locate, catalog, and assemble, in standard computer format, ground-level solar cosmic ray data acquired by cosmic ray detectors for selected events in the 19th solar cycle. The events for which we initially proposed to obtain these data were for the events of 23 February 1956,4 May 1960, 12 and 15 November 1960 and 18 and 20 July 1961. These were the largest events of the 19th solar cycle. However, a severe (more than 50%) reduction in the requested funding, required the work effort be limited to neutron monitor data for the 23 February 1956 event and the three major events in 1960.
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Achieving 15% Tandem Polymer Solar Cells
2015-06-23
solar cell structures – both polymer only and hybrid tandem cells to constantly pushing the envelope of solution processed solar cell ...performance – 11.6% polymer tandem cell , 7% transparent tandem polymer cell , and over 10% PCE hybrid tandem solar cells were achieved. In addition, AFOSR’s...final support also enabled us to explore novel hybrid perovskite solar cells in depth. For example, single junction cell efficiency
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GaAs Solar Cell Radiation Handbook
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Anspaugh, B. E.
1996-01-01
The handbook discusses the history of GaAs solar cell development, presents equations useful for working with GaAs solar cells, describes commonly used instrumentation techniques for assessing radiation effects in solar cells and fundamental processes occurring in solar cells exposed to ionizing radiation, and explains why radiation decreases the electrical performance of solar cells. Three basic elements required to perform solar array degradation calculations: degradation data for GaAs solar cells after irradiation with 1 MeV electrons at normal incidence; relative damage coefficients for omnidirectional electron and proton exposure; and the definition of the space radiation environment for the orbit of interest, are developed and used to perform a solar array degradation calculation.
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Semiconductor Nanocrystals as Light Harvesters in Solar Cells
Etgar, Lioz
2013-01-01
Photovoltaic cells use semiconductors to convert sunlight into electrical current and are regarded as a key technology for a sustainable energy supply. Quantum dot-based solar cells have shown great potential as next generation, high performance, low-cost photovoltaics due to the outstanding optoelectronic properties of quantum dots and their multiple exciton generation (MEG) capability. This review focuses on QDs as light harvesters in solar cells, including different structures of QD-based solar cells, such as QD heterojunction solar cells, QD-Schottky solar cells, QD-sensitized solar cells and the recent development in organic-inorganic perovskite heterojunction solar cells. Mechanisms, procedures, advantages, disadvantages and the latest results obtained in the field are described. To summarize, a future perspective is offered. PMID:28809318
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Perovskite Solar Cells with Large-Area CVD-Graphene for Tandem Solar Cells.
Lang, Felix; Gluba, Marc A; Albrecht, Steve; Rappich, Jörg; Korte, Lars; Rech, Bernd; Nickel, Norbert H
2015-07-16
Perovskite solar cells with transparent contacts may be used to compensate for thermalization losses of silicon solar cells in tandem devices. This offers a way to outreach stagnating efficiencies. However, perovskite top cells in tandem structures require contact layers with high electrical conductivity and optimal transparency. We address this challenge by implementing large-area graphene grown by chemical vapor deposition as a highly transparent electrode in perovskite solar cells, leading to identical charge collection efficiencies. Electrical performance of solar cells with a graphene-based contact reached those of solar cells with standard gold contacts. The optical transmission by far exceeds that of reference devices and amounts to 64.3% below the perovskite band gap. Finally, we demonstrate a four-terminal tandem device combining a high band gap graphene-contacted perovskite top solar cell (Eg = 1.6 eV) with an amorphous/crystalline silicon bottom solar cell (Eg = 1.12 eV).
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NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Dinetta, L. C.; Hannon, M. H.; Mcneely, J. B.; Barnett, A. M.
1991-01-01
The AstroPower self-supporting, transparent AlGaAs top solar cell can be stacked upon any well-developed bottom solar cell for improved system performance. This is an approach to improve the performance and scale of space photovoltaic power systems. Mechanically stacked tandem solar cell concentrator systems based on the AlGaAs top concentrator solar cell can provide near term efficiencies of 36 percent (AMO, 100x). Possible tandem stack efficiencies greater than 38 percent (100x, AMO) are feasible with a careful selection of materials. In a three solar cell stack, system efficiencies exceed 41 percent (100x, AMO). These device results demonstrate a practical solution for a state-of-the-art top solar cell for attachment to an existing, well-developed solar cell.
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A review on solar cells from Si-single crystals to porous materials and quantum dots
Badawy, Waheed A.
2013-01-01
Solar energy conversion to electricity through photovoltaics or to useful fuel through photoelectrochemical cells was still a main task for research groups and developments sectors. In this article we are reviewing the development of the different generations of solar cells. The fabrication of solar cells has passed through a large number of improvement steps considering the technological and economic aspects. The first generation solar cells were based on Si wafers, mainly single crystals. Permanent researches on cost reduction and improved solar cell efficiency have led to the marketing of solar modules having 12–16% solar conversion efficiency. Application of polycrystalline Si and other forms of Si have reduced the cost but on the expense of the solar conversion efficiency. The second generation solar cells were based on thin film technology. Thin films of amorphous Si, CIS (copper–indium–selenide) and t-Si were employed. Solar conversion efficiencies of about 12% have been achieved with a remarkable cost reduction. The third generation solar cells are based on nano-crystals and nano-porous materials. An advanced photovoltaic cell, originally developed for satellites with solar conversion efficiency of 37.3%, based on concentration of the solar spectrum up to 400 suns was developed. It is based on extremely thin concentration cells. New sensitizer or semiconductor systems are necessary to broaden the photo-response in solar spectrum. Hybrids of solar and conventional devices may provide an interim benefit in seeking economically valuable devices. New quantum dot solar cells based on CdSe–TiO2 architecture have been developed. PMID:25750746
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A review on solar cells from Si-single crystals to porous materials and quantum dots.
Badawy, Waheed A
2015-03-01
Solar energy conversion to electricity through photovoltaics or to useful fuel through photoelectrochemical cells was still a main task for research groups and developments sectors. In this article we are reviewing the development of the different generations of solar cells. The fabrication of solar cells has passed through a large number of improvement steps considering the technological and economic aspects. The first generation solar cells were based on Si wafers, mainly single crystals. Permanent researches on cost reduction and improved solar cell efficiency have led to the marketing of solar modules having 12-16% solar conversion efficiency. Application of polycrystalline Si and other forms of Si have reduced the cost but on the expense of the solar conversion efficiency. The second generation solar cells were based on thin film technology. Thin films of amorphous Si, CIS (copper-indium-selenide) and t-Si were employed. Solar conversion efficiencies of about 12% have been achieved with a remarkable cost reduction. The third generation solar cells are based on nano-crystals and nano-porous materials. An advanced photovoltaic cell, originally developed for satellites with solar conversion efficiency of 37.3%, based on concentration of the solar spectrum up to 400 suns was developed. It is based on extremely thin concentration cells. New sensitizer or semiconductor systems are necessary to broaden the photo-response in solar spectrum. Hybrids of solar and conventional devices may provide an interim benefit in seeking economically valuable devices. New quantum dot solar cells based on CdSe-TiO2 architecture have been developed.
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Utility of Thin-Film Solar Cells on Flexible Substrates for Space Power
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Dickman, J. E.; Hepp, A. F.; Morel, D. L.; Ferekides, C. S.; Tuttle, J. R.; Hoffman, D. J.; Dhere, N. G.
2004-01-01
The thin-film solar cell program at NASA GRC is developing solar cell technologies for space applications which address two critical metrics: specific power (power per unit mass) and launch stowed volume. To be competitive for many space applications, an array using thin film solar cells must significantly increase specific power while reducing stowed volume when compared to the present baseline technology utilizing crystalline solar cells. The NASA GRC program is developing two approaches. Since the vast majority of the mass of a thin film solar cell is in the substrate, a thin film solar cell on a very lightweight flexible substrate (polymer or metal films) is being developed as the first approach. The second approach is the development of multijunction thin film solar cells. Total cell efficiency can be increased by stacking multiple cells having bandgaps tuned to convert the spectrum passing through the upper cells to the lower cells. Once developed, the two approaches will be merged to yield a multijunction, thin film solar cell on a very lightweight, flexible substrate. The ultimate utility of such solar cells in space require the development of monolithic interconnections, lightweight array structures, and ultra-lightweight support and deployment techniques.
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High efficiency solar cells for concentrator systems: silicon or multi-junction?
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Slade, Alexander; Stone, Kenneth W.; Gordon, Robert; Garboushian, Vahan
2005-08-01
Amonix has become the first company to begin production of high concentration silicon solar cells where volumes are over 10 MW/year. Higher volumes are available due to the method of manufacture; Amonix solely uses semiconductor foundries for solar cell production. In the previous years of system and cell field testing, this method of manufacturing enabled Amonix to maintain a very low overhead while incurring a high cost for the solar cell. However, recent simplifications to the solar cell processing sequence resulted in cost reduction and increased yield. This new process has been tested by producing small qualities in very short time periods, enabling a simulation of high volume production. Results have included over 90% wafer yield, up to 100% die yield and world record performance (η =27.3%). This reduction in silicon solar cell cost has increased the required efficiency for multi-junction concentrator solar cells to be competitive / advantageous. Concentrator systems are emerging as a low-cost, high volume option for solar-generated electricity due to the very high utilization of the solar cell, leading to a much lower $/Watt cost of a photovoltaic system. Parallel to this is the onset of alternative solar cell technologies, such as the very high efficiency multi-junction solar cells developed at NREL over the last two decades. The relatively high cost of these type of solar cells has relegated their use to non-terrestrial applications. However, recent advancements in both multi-junction concentrator cell efficiency and their stability under high flux densities has made their large-scale terrestrial deployment significantly more viable. This paper presents Amonix's experience and testing results of both high-efficiency silicon rear-junction solar cells and multi-junction solar cells made for concentrated light operation.
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NREL Scientists Demonstrate Remarkable Stability in Perovskite Solar Cells
environmentally stable, high-efficiency perovskite solar cell, bringing the emerging technology a step closer to needed to make the devices durable enough for long-term use. NREL's unencapsulated solar cell-a cell used Unencapsulated Perovskite Solar Cells for >1000 Hours of Operational Stability." "A solar cell in
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Solar cell with back side contacts
Nielson, Gregory N; Okandan, Murat; Cruz-Campa, Jose Luis; Resnick, Paul J; Wanlass, Mark Woodbury; Clews, Peggy J
2013-12-24
A III-V solar cell is described herein that includes all back side contacts. Additionally, the positive and negative electrical contacts contact compoud semiconductor layers of the solar cell other than the absorbing layer of the solar cell. That is, the positive and negative electrical contacts contact passivating layers of the solar cell.
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Summary of solar cell data from the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF)
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Hill, David C.; Rose, M. Frank
1994-01-01
The Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) was composed of many separate experiments, some of which contained solar cells. These solar cells were distributed at various positions on the LDEF and, therefore, were exposed to the space environment with an orientational dependence. This report will address the space environmental effects on solar cells and solar cell assemblies (SCA's), including electrical interconnects and associated insulation blankets where flown in conjunction with solar cells.
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Recent Progress Towards Quantum Dot Solar Cells with Enhanced Optical Absorption.
Zheng, Zerui; Ji, Haining; Yu, Peng; Wang, Zhiming
2016-12-01
Quantum dot solar cells, as a promising candidate for the next generation solar cell technology, have received tremendous attention in the last 10 years. Some recent developments in epitaxy growth and device structures have opened up new avenues for practical quantum dot solar cells. Unfortunately, the performance of quantum dot solar cells is often plagued by marginal photon absorption. In this review, we focus on the recent progress made in enhancing optical absorption in quantum dot solar cells, including optimization of quantum dot growth, improving the solar cells structure, and engineering light trapping techniques.
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Current Approach in Surface Plasmons for Thin Film and Wire Array Solar Cell Applications
Zhou, Keya; Guo, Zhongyi; Liu, Shutian; Lee, Jung-Ho
2015-01-01
Surface plasmons, which exist along the interface of a metal and a dielectric, have been proposed as an efficient alternative method for light trapping in solar cells during the past ten years. With unique properties such as superior light scattering, optical trapping, guide mode coupling, near field concentration, and hot-electron generation, metallic nanoparticles or nanostructures can be tailored to a certain geometric design to enhance solar cell conversion efficiency and to reduce the material costs. In this article, we review current approaches on different kinds of solar cells, such as crystalline silicon (c-Si) and amorphous silicon (a-Si) thin film solar cells, organic solar cells, nanowire array solar cells, and single nanowire solar cells. PMID:28793457
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Prospects of Graphene as a Potential Carrier-Transport Material in Third-Generation Solar Cells.
Chowdhury, Towhid H; Islam, Ashraful; Mahmud Hasan, A K; Terdi, M Asri Mat; Arunakumari, M; Prakash Singh, Surya; Alam, Md Khorshed; Bedja, Idriss M; Hafidz Ruslan, Mohd; Sopian, Kamaruzzaman; Amin, Nowshad; Akhtaruzzaman, Md
2016-04-01
Third-generation solar cells are understood to be the pathway to overcoming the issues and drawbacks of the existing solar cell technologies. Since the introduction of graphene in solar cells, it has been providing attractive properties for the next generation of solar cells. Currently, there are more theoretical predictions rather than practical recognitions in third-generation solar cells. Some of the potential of graphene has been explored in organic photovoltaics (OPVs) and dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), but it has yet to be fully comprehended in the recent third-generation inorganic-organic hybrid perovskite solar cells. In this review, the diverse role of graphene in third-generation OPVs and DSSCs will be deliberated to provide an insight on the prospects and challenges of graphene in inorganic-organic hybrid perovskite solar cells. © 2016 The Chemical Society of Japan & Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.
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A numerical model for charge transport and energy conversion of perovskite solar cells.
Zhou, Yecheng; Gray-Weale, Angus
2016-02-14
Based on the continuity equations and Poisson's equation, we developed a numerical model for perovskite solar cells. Due to different working mechanisms, the model for perovskite solar cells differs from that of silicon solar cells and Dye Sensitized Solar Cells. The output voltage and current are calculated differently, and in a manner suited in particular to perovskite organohalides. We report a test of our equations against experiment with good agreement. Using this numerical model, it was found that performances of solar cells increase with charge carrier's lifetimes, mobilities and diffusion lengths. The open circuit voltage (Voc) of a solar cell is dependent on light intensities, and charge carrier lifetimes. Diffusion length and light intensity determine the saturated current (Jsc). Additionally, three possible guidelines for the design and fabrication of perovskite solar cells are suggested by our calculations. Lastly, we argue that concentrator perovskite solar cells are promising.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Qarony, Wayesh; Hossain, Mohammad I.; Jovanov, Vladislav; Knipp, Dietmar; Tsang, Yuen Hong
2018-03-01
The partial decoupling of electronic and optical properties of organic solar cells allows for realizing solar cells with increased short circuit current and energy conversion efficiency. The proposed device consists of an organic solar cell conformally prepared on the surface of an array of single and double textured pyramids. The device geometry allows for increasing the optical thickness of the organic solar cell, while the electrical thickness is equal to the nominal thickness of the solar cell. By increasing the optical thickness of the solar cell, the short circuit current is distinctly increased. The quantum efficiency and short circuit current are determined using finite-difference time-domain simulations of the 3D solar cell structure. The influence of different solar cell designs on the quantum efficiency and short circuit current is discussed and optimal device dimensions are proposed.
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Efficient CsF interlayer for high and low bandgap polymer solar cell
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Mitul, Abu Farzan; Sarker, Jith; Adhikari, Nirmal; Mohammad, Lal; Wang, Qi; Khatiwada, Devendra; Qiao, Qiquan
2018-02-01
Low bandgap polymer solar cells have a great deal of importance in flexible photovoltaic market to absorb sun light more efficiently. Efficient wide bandgap solar cells are always available in nature to absorb visible photons. The development and incorporation of infrared photovoltaics (IR PV) with wide bandgap solar cells can improve overall solar device performance. Here, we have developed an efficient low bandgap polymer solar cell with CsF as interfacial layer in regular structure. Polymer solar cell devices with CsF shows enhanced performance than Ca as interfacial layer. The power conversion efficiency of 4.5% has been obtained for PDPP3T based polymer solar cell with CsF as interlayer. Finally, an optimal thickness with CsF as interfacial layer has been found to improve the efficiency in low bandgap polymer solar cells.
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The JPL space photovoltaic program. [energy efficient so1 silicon solar cells for space applications
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Scott-Monck, J. A.
1979-01-01
The development of energy efficient solar cells for space applications is discussed. The electrical performance of solar cells as a function of temperature and solar intensity and the influence of radiation and subsequent thermal annealing on the electrical behavior of cells are among the factors studied. Progress in GaAs solar cell development is reported with emphasis on improvement of output power and radiation resistance to demonstrate a solar cell array to meet the specific power and stability requirements of solar power satellites.
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Modeling the Effects of Solar Cell Distribution on Optical Cross Section for Solar Panel Simulation
2012-09-01
cell material. The solar panel was created as a CAD model and simulated with the imaging facility parameters with TASAT. TASAT uses a BRDF to apply...1 MODELING THE EFFECTS OF SOLAR CELL DISTRIBUTION ON OPTICAL CROSS SECTION FOR SOLAR PANEL SIMULATION Kelly Feirstine Meiling Klein... model of a solar panel with various solar cell tip and tilt distribution statistics. Modeling a solar panel as a single sheet of “solar cell” material
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A three solar cell system based on a self-supporting, transparent AlGaAs top solar cell
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Negley, Gerald H.; Rhoads, Sandra L.; Terranova, Nancy E.; Mcneely, James B.; Barnett, Allen M.
1989-01-01
Development of a three solar cell stack can lead to practical efficiencies greater than 30 percent (1x,AM0). A theoretical efficiency limitation of 43.7 percent at AM0 and one sun is predicted by this model. Including expected losses, a practical system efficiency of 36.8 percent is anticipated. These calculations are based on a 1.93eV/1.43eV/0.89eV energy band gap combination. AlGaAs/GaAs/GaInAsP materials can be used with a six-terminal wiring configuration. The key issues for multijunction solar cells are the top and middle solar cell performance and the sub-bandgap transparency. AstroPower has developed a technique to fabricate AlGaAs solar cells on rugged, self-supporting, transparent AlGaAs substrates. Top solar cell efficiencies greater than 11 percent AM0 have been achieved. State-of-the-art GaAs or InP devices will be used for the middle solar cell. GaInAsP will be used to fabricate the bottom solar cell. This material is lattice-matched to InP and offers a wide range of bandgaps for optimization of the three solar cell stack. Liquid phase epitaxy is being used to grow the quaternary material. Initial solar cells have shown open-circuit voltages of 462 mV for a bandgap of 0.92eV. Design rules for the multijunction three solar cell stack are discussed. The progress in the development of the self-supporting AlGaAs top solar cell and the GaInAsP bottom solar cell is presented.
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Scientific Assessment of NASA's Solar System Exploration Roadmap
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
1996-01-01
At its June 24-28, 1996, meeting, the Space Studies Board's Committee on Planetary and Lunar Exploration (COMPLEX), chaired by Ronald Greeley of Arizona State University, conducted an assessment of NASA's Mission to the Solar System Roadmap report. This assessment was made at the specific request of Dr. Jurgen Rahe, NASA's science program director for solar system exploration. The assessment includes consideration of the process by which the Roadmap was developed, comparison of the goals and objectives of the Roadmap with published National Research Council (NRC) recommendations, and suggestions for improving the Roadmap.
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Hybrid Perovskites: Prospects for Concentrator Solar Cells.
Lin, Qianqian; Wang, Zhiping; Snaith, Henry J; Johnston, Michael B; Herz, Laura M
2018-04-01
Perovskite solar cells have shown a meteoric rise of power conversion efficiency and a steady pace of improvements in their stability of operation. Such rapid progress has triggered research into approaches that can boost efficiencies beyond the Shockley-Queisser limit stipulated for a single-junction cell under normal solar illumination conditions. The tandem solar cell architecture is one concept here that has recently been successfully implemented. However, the approach of solar concentration has not been sufficiently explored so far for perovskite photovoltaics, despite its frequent use in the area of inorganic semiconductor solar cells. Here, the prospects of hybrid perovskites are assessed for use in concentrator solar cells. Solar cell performance parameters are theoretically predicted as a function of solar concentration levels, based on representative assumptions of charge-carrier recombination and extraction rates in the device. It is demonstrated that perovskite solar cells can fundamentally exhibit appreciably higher energy-conversion efficiencies under solar concentration, where they are able to exceed the Shockley-Queisser limit and exhibit strongly elevated open-circuit voltages. It is therefore concluded that sufficient material and device stability under increased illumination levels will be the only significant challenge to perovskite concentrator solar cell applications.
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Hybrid Perovskites: Prospects for Concentrator Solar Cells
Lin, Qianqian; Wang, Zhiping; Snaith, Henry J.; Johnston, Michael B.
2018-01-01
Abstract Perovskite solar cells have shown a meteoric rise of power conversion efficiency and a steady pace of improvements in their stability of operation. Such rapid progress has triggered research into approaches that can boost efficiencies beyond the Shockley–Queisser limit stipulated for a single‐junction cell under normal solar illumination conditions. The tandem solar cell architecture is one concept here that has recently been successfully implemented. However, the approach of solar concentration has not been sufficiently explored so far for perovskite photovoltaics, despite its frequent use in the area of inorganic semiconductor solar cells. Here, the prospects of hybrid perovskites are assessed for use in concentrator solar cells. Solar cell performance parameters are theoretically predicted as a function of solar concentration levels, based on representative assumptions of charge‐carrier recombination and extraction rates in the device. It is demonstrated that perovskite solar cells can fundamentally exhibit appreciably higher energy‐conversion efficiencies under solar concentration, where they are able to exceed the Shockley–Queisser limit and exhibit strongly elevated open‐circuit voltages. It is therefore concluded that sufficient material and device stability under increased illumination levels will be the only significant challenge to perovskite concentrator solar cell applications. PMID:29721426
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NREL Inks Technology Agreement for High Efficiency Multijunction Solar
) multijunction solar cells. While high-efficiency multijunction solar cells are commonly used for space Devices is excited to now be commercializing IMM solar cells for high-performance space and UAV Cells | News | NREL Inks Technology Agreement for High Efficiency Multijunction Solar Cells
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Use of solar cell in electrokinetic remediation of cadmium-contaminated soil.
Yuan, Songhu; Zheng, Zhonghua; Chen, Jing; Lu, Xiaohua
2009-03-15
This preliminary study used a solar cell, instead of direct current (DC) power supply, to generate electric field for electrokinetic (EK) remediation of cadmium-contaminated soil. Three EK tests were conducted and compared; one was conducted on a cloudy and rainy day with solar cell, one was conducted on a sunny day with solar cell and another was conducted periodically with DC power supply. It was found that the output potential of solar cell depended on daytime and was influenced by weather conditions; the applied potential in soil was affected by the output potential and weather conditions, and the current achieved by solar cell was comparable with that achieved by DC power supply. Solar cell could be used to drive the electromigration of cadmium in contaminated soil, and removal efficiency achieved by solar cell was comparable with that achieved by DC power supply. Compared with traditional DC power supply, using solar cell as power supply for EK remediation can greatly reduce energy expenditure. This study provided an alternative to improve the EK soil remediation and expanded the use of solar cell in environmental remediation.
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Nano-photonic light trapping near the Lambertian limit in organic solar cell architectures.
Biswas, Rana; Timmons, Erik
2013-09-09
A critical step to achieving higher efficiency solar cells is the broad band harvesting of solar photons. Although considerable progress has recently been achieved in improving the power conversion efficiency of organic solar cells, these cells still do not absorb upto ~50% of the solar spectrum. We have designed and developed an organic solar cell architecture that can boost the absorption of photons by 40% and the photo-current by 50% for organic P3HT-PCBM absorber layers of typical device thicknesses. Our solar cell architecture is based on all layers of the solar cell being patterned in a conformal two-dimensionally periodic photonic crystal architecture. This results in very strong diffraction of photons- that increases the photon path length in the absorber layer, and plasmonic light concentration near the patterned organic-metal cathode interface. The absorption approaches the Lambertian limit. The simulations utilize a rigorous scattering matrix approach and provide bounds of the fundamental limits of nano-photonic light absorption in periodically textured organic solar cells. This solar cell architecture has the potential to increase the power conversion efficiency to 10% for single band gap organic solar cells utilizing long-wavelength absorbers.
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Zhao, Dewei; Yu, Yue; Wang, Changlei; ...
2017-03-01
Tandem solar cells using only metal-halide perovskite sub-cells are an attractive choice for next-generation solar cells. However, the progress in developing efficient all-perovskite tandem solar cells has been hindered by the lack of high-performance low-bandgap perovskite solar cells. Here in this paper, we report efficient mixed tin-lead iodide low-bandgap (~1.25 eV) perovskite solar cells with open-circuit voltages up to 0.85 V and over 70% external quantum efficiencies in the infrared wavelength range of 700-900 nm, delivering a short-circuit current density of over 29 mA cm -2 and demonstrating suitability for bottom-cell applications in all-perovskite tandem solar cells. Our low-bandgap perovskitemore » solar cells achieve a maximum power conversion efficiency of 17.6% and a certified efficiency of 17.01% with a negligible current-voltage hysteresis. Finally, when mechanically stacked with a ~1.58 eV bandgap perovskite top cell, our best all-perovskite 4-terminal tandem solar cell shows a steady-state efficiency of 21.0%.« less
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DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Zhao, Dewei; Yu, Yue; Wang, Changlei
Tandem solar cells using only metal-halide perovskite sub-cells are an attractive choice for next-generation solar cells. However, the progress in developing efficient all-perovskite tandem solar cells has been hindered by the lack of high-performance low-bandgap perovskite solar cells. Here in this paper, we report efficient mixed tin-lead iodide low-bandgap (~1.25 eV) perovskite solar cells with open-circuit voltages up to 0.85 V and over 70% external quantum efficiencies in the infrared wavelength range of 700-900 nm, delivering a short-circuit current density of over 29 mA cm -2 and demonstrating suitability for bottom-cell applications in all-perovskite tandem solar cells. Our low-bandgap perovskitemore » solar cells achieve a maximum power conversion efficiency of 17.6% and a certified efficiency of 17.01% with a negligible current-voltage hysteresis. Finally, when mechanically stacked with a ~1.58 eV bandgap perovskite top cell, our best all-perovskite 4-terminal tandem solar cell shows a steady-state efficiency of 21.0%.« less
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Materials That Enhance Efficiency and Radiation Resistance of Solar Cells
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Sun, Xiadong; Wang, Haorong
2012-01-01
A thin layer (approximately 10 microns) of a novel "transparent" fluorescent material is applied to existing solar cells or modules to effectively block and convert UV light, or other lower solar response waveband of solar radiation, to visible or IR light that can be more efficiently used by solar cells for additional photocurrent. Meanwhile, the layer of fluorescent coating material remains fully "transparent" to the visible and IR waveband of solar radiation, resulting in a net gain of solar cell efficiency. This innovation alters the effective solar spectral power distribution to which an existing cell gets exposed, and matches the maximum photovoltaic (PV) response of existing cells. By shifting a low PV response waveband (e.g., UV) of solar radiation to a high PV response waveband (e.g. Vis-Near IR) with novel fluorescent materials that are transparent to other solar-cell sensitive wavebands, electrical output from solar cells will be enhanced. This approach enhances the efficiency of solar cells by converting UV and high-energy particles in space that would otherwise be wasted to visible/IR light. This innovation is a generic technique that can be readily implemented to significantly increase efficiencies of both space and terrestrial solar cells, without incurring much cost, thus bringing a broad base of economical, social, and environmental benefits. The key to this approach is that the "fluorescent" material must be very efficient, and cannot block or attenuate the "desirable" and unconverted" waveband of solar radiation (e.g. Vis-NIR) from reaching the cells. Some nano-phosphors and novel organometallic complex materials have been identified that enhance the energy efficiency on some state-of-the-art commercial silicon and thin-film-based solar cells by over 6%.
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Hybrid emitter all back contact solar cell
Loscutoff, Paul; Rim, Seung
2016-04-12
An all back contact solar cell has a hybrid emitter design. The solar cell has a thin dielectric layer formed on a backside surface of a single crystalline silicon substrate. One emitter of the solar cell is made of doped polycrystalline silicon that is formed on the thin dielectric layer. The other emitter of the solar cell is formed in the single crystalline silicon substrate and is made of doped single crystalline silicon. The solar cell includes contact holes that allow metal contacts to connect to corresponding emitters.
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Combining light-harvesting with detachability in high-efficiency thin-film silicon solar cells.
Ram, Sanjay K; Desta, Derese; Rizzoli, Rita; Bellettato, Michele; Lyckegaard, Folmer; Jensen, Pia B; Jeppesen, Bjarke R; Chevallier, Jacques; Summonte, Caterina; Larsen, Arne Nylandsted; Balling, Peter
2017-06-01
Efforts to realize thin-film solar cells on unconventional substrates face several obstacles in achieving good energy-conversion efficiency and integrating light-management into the solar cell design. In this report a technique to circumvent these obstacles is presented: transferability and an efficient light-harvesting scheme are combined for thin-film silicon solar cells by the incorporation of a NaCl layer. Amorphous silicon solar cells in p-i-n configuration are fabricated on reusable glass substrates coated with an interlayer of NaCl. Subsequently, the solar cells are detached from the substrate by dissolution of the sacrificial NaCl layer in water and then transferred onto a plastic sheet, with a resultant post-transfer efficiency of 9%. The light-trapping effect of the surface nanotextures originating from the NaCl layer on the overlying solar cell is studied theoretically and experimentally. The enhanced light absorption in the solar cells on NaCl-coated substrates leads to significant improvement in the photocurrent and energy-conversion efficiency in solar cells with both 350 and 100 nm thick absorber layers, compared to flat-substrate solar cells. Efficient transferable thin-film solar cells hold a vast potential for widespread deployment of off-grid photovoltaics and cost reduction.
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New mounting improves solar-cell efficiency
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Shepard, N. F., Jr.
1980-01-01
Method boosts output by about 20 percent by trapping and redirecting solar radiation without increasing module depth. Mounted solar-cell array is covered with internally reflecting plate. Plate is attached to each cell by transparent adhesive, and space between cells is covered with layer of diffusely reflecting material. Solar energy falling on space between cells is diffused and reflected internally by plate until it is reflected onto solar cell.
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Evaluation of solar cells for potential space satellite power applications
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
1977-01-01
The evaluation focused on the following subjects: (1) the relative merits of alternative solar cell materials, based on performance and availability, (2) the best manufacturing methods for various solar cell options and the effects of extremely large production volumes on their ultimate costs and operational characteristics, (3) the areas of uncertainty in achieving large solar cell production volumes, (4) the effects of concentration ratios on solar array mass and system performance, (5) the factors influencing solar cell life in the radiation environment during transport to and in geosynchronous orbit, and (6) the merits of conducting solar cell manufacturing operations in space.
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Towards stable silicon nanoarray hybrid solar cells.
He, W W; Wu, K J; Wang, K; Shi, T F; Wu, L; Li, S X; Teng, D Y; Ye, C H
2014-01-16
Silicon nanoarray hybrid solar cells benefit from the ease of fabrication and the cost-effectiveness of the hybrid structure, and represent a new research focus towards the utilization of solar energy. However, hybrid solar cells composed of both inorganic and organic components suffer from the notorious stability issue, which has to be tackled before the hybrid solar cells could become a viable alternative for harvesting solar energy. Here we show that Si nanoarray/PEDOT:PSS hybrid solar cells with improved stability can be fabricated via eliminating the water inclusion in the initial formation of the heterojunction between Si nanoarray and PEDOT:PSS. The Si nanoarray hybrid solar cells are stable against rapid degradation in the atmosphere environment for several months without encapsulation. This finding paves the way towards the real-world applications of Si nanoarray hybrid solar cells.
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Towards stable silicon nanoarray hybrid solar cells
He, W. W.; Wu, K. J.; Wang, K.; Shi, T. F.; Wu, L.; Li, S. X.; Teng, D. Y.; Ye, C. H.
2014-01-01
Silicon nanoarray hybrid solar cells benefit from the ease of fabrication and the cost-effectiveness of the hybrid structure, and represent a new research focus towards the utilization of solar energy. However, hybrid solar cells composed of both inorganic and organic components suffer from the notorious stability issue, which has to be tackled before the hybrid solar cells could become a viable alternative for harvesting solar energy. Here we show that Si nanoarray/PEDOT:PSS hybrid solar cells with improved stability can be fabricated via eliminating the water inclusion in the initial formation of the heterojunction between Si nanoarray and PEDOT:PSS. The Si nanoarray hybrid solar cells are stable against rapid degradation in the atmosphere environment for several months without encapsulation. This finding paves the way towards the real-world applications of Si nanoarray hybrid solar cells. PMID:24430057
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Interdigitated Back-Surface-Contact Solar Cell Modeling Using Silvaco Atlas
2015-06-01
11 2. Solar Spectrum ...................................................................................13 3. PV Cell Efficiency...Figure 10. Spectrum of solar radiance, from [12]. 14 3. PV Cell Efficiency There are many factors that affect the efficiency of a solar cell. Metal...BACK-SURFACE-CONTACT SOLAR CELL MODELING USING SILVACO ATLAS by Shawn E. Green June 2015 Thesis Advisor: Sherif Michael Second Reader
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Research | Photovoltaic Research | NREL
-V cells Hybrid tandems Polycrystalline Thin-Film PV CdTe solar cells CIGS solar cells Perovskites and Organic PV Perovskite solar cells Organic PV solar cells Advanced Materials, Devices, and Science Interfacial and Surface Science Reliability and Engineering Real-Time PV and Solar Resource
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A theoretical analysis of the current-voltage characteristics of solar cells
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Fang, R. C. Y.; Hauser, J. R.
1977-01-01
The correlation of theoretical and experimental data is discussed along with the development of a complete solar cell analysis. The dark current-voltage characteristics, and the parameters for solar cells are analyzed. The series resistance, and impurity gradient effects on solar cells were studied, the effects of nonuniformities on solar cell performance were analyzed.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Perl, Emmett Edward
Solar cells based on III-V compound semiconductors are ideally suited to convert solar energy into electricity. The highest efficiency single-junction solar cells are made of gallium arsenide, and have attained an efficiency of 28.8%. Multiple III-V materials can be combined to construct multijunction solar cells, which have reached record efficiencies greater than 45% under concentration. III-V solar cells are also well suited to operate efficiently at elevated temperatures, due in large part to their high material quality. These properties make III-V solar cells an excellent choice for use in concentrator systems. Concentrator photovoltaic systems have attained module efficiencies that exceed 40%, and have the potential to reach the lowest levelized cost of electricity in sunny places like the desert southwest. Hybrid photovoltaic-thermal solar energy systems can utilize high-temperature III-V solar cells to simultaneously achieve dispatchability and a high sunlight-to-electricity efficiency. This dissertation explores material science to advance the state of III-V multijunction solar cells for use in concentrator photovoltaic and hybrid photovoltaic-thermal solar energy systems. The first half of this dissertation describes work on advanced optical designs to improve the efficiency of multijunction solar cells. As multijunction solar cells move to configurations with four or more subcells, they utilize a larger portion of the solar spectrum. Broadband antireflection coatings are essential to realizing efficiency gains for these state-of-the-art cells. A hybrid design consisting of antireflective nanostructures placed on top of multilayer interference-based optical coatings is developed. Antireflection coatings that utilize this hybrid approach yield unparalleled performance, minimizing reflection losses to just 0.2% on sapphire and 0.6% on gallium nitride for 300-1800nm light. Dichroic mirrors are developed for bonded 5-junction solar cells that utilize InGaN as a top junction. These designs maximize reflection of high-energy light for an InGaN top junction while minimizing reflection of low-energy light that would be absorbed by the lower four junctions. Increasing the reflectivity of high-energy photons enables a second pass of light through the InGaN cell, leading to increased absorption and a higher photocurrent. These optical designs enhanced the efficiency of a 2.65eV InGaN solar cell to a value of 3.3% under the AM0 spectrum, the highest reported efficiency for a standalone InGaN solar cell. The second half of the dissertation describes the development of III-V solar cells for high-temperature applications. As the operating temperature of a solar cell is increased, the ideal bandgap of the top junction increases. AlGaInP solar cells with bandgaps ranging from 1.9eV to 2.2eV are developed. A 2.03eV AlGaInP solar cell is demonstrated with a bandgap-voltage offset of 440mV, the lowest of any AlGaInP solar cell reported to date. Single-junction AlGaInP, GaInP, and GaAs solar cells designed for high-temperature operation are characterized up to a temperature of 400°C. The cell properties are compared to an analytical drift-diffusion model, and we find that a fundamental increase in the intrinsic carrier concentration, ni, dominates the temperature dependence of the dark currents, open-circuit voltage, and cell efficiency. These findings provide a valuable guide to the design of any system that requires high-temperature solar cell operation.
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Third Working Meeting on Gallium Arsenide Solar Cells
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Walker, G. H. (Compiler)
1976-01-01
Research results are reported for GaAs Schottky barrier solar cells, GaAlAs/GaAs heteroface solar cells, and GaAlAs graded band gap solar cells. Related materials studies are presented. A systems study for GaAs and Si solar concentrator systems is given.
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NASDA activities in space solar power system research, development and applications
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Matsuda, Sumio; Yamamoto, Yasunari; Uesugi, Masato
1993-01-01
NASDA activities in solar cell research, development, and applications are described. First, current technologies for space solar cells such as Si, GaAs, and InP are reviewed. Second, future space solar cell technologies intended to be used on satellites of 21st century are discussed. Next, the flight data of solar cell monitor on ETS-V is shown. Finally, establishing the universal space solar cell calibration system is proposed.
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The enhanced efficiency of graphene-silicon solar cells by electric field doping.
Yu, Xuegong; Yang, Lifei; Lv, Qingmin; Xu, Mingsheng; Chen, Hongzheng; Yang, Deren
2015-04-28
The graphene-silicon (Gr-Si) Schottky junction solar cell has been recognized as one of the most low-cost candidates in photovoltaics due to its simple fabrication process. However, the low Gr-Si Schottky barrier height largely limits the power conversion efficiency of Gr-Si solar cells. Here, we demonstrate that electric field doping can be used to tune the work function of a Gr film and therefore improve the photovoltaic performance of the Gr-Si solar cell effectively. The electric field doping effects can be achieved either by connecting the Gr-Si solar cell to an external power supply or by polarizing a ferroelectric polymer layer integrated in the Gr-Si solar cell. Exploration of both of the device architecture designs showed that the power conversion efficiency of Gr-Si solar cells is more than twice of the control Gr-Si solar cells. Our study opens a new avenue for improving the performance of Gr-Si solar cells.
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Analytical determination of critical crack size in solar cells
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Chen, C. P.
1988-01-01
Although solar cells usually have chips and cracks, no material specifications concerning the allowable crack size on solar cells are available for quality assurance and engineering design usage. Any material specifications that the cell manufacturers use were developed for cosmetic reasons that have no technical basis. Therefore, the Applied Solar Energy Corporation (ASEC) has sponsored a continuing program for the fracture mechanics evaluation of GaAs. Fracture mechanics concepts were utilized to develop an analytical model that can predict the critical crack size of solar cells. This model indicates that the edge cracks of a solar cell are more critical than its surface cracks. In addition, the model suggests that the material specifications on the allowable crack size used for Si solar cells should not be applied to GaAs solar cells. The analytical model was applied to Si and GaAs solar cells, but it would also be applicable to the semiconductor wafers of other materials, such as a GaAs thin film on a Ge substrate, using appropriate input data.
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Nielson, Gregory N.; Gupta, Vipin P.; Okandan, Murat; Watts, Michael R.
2015-09-08
A photovoltaic solar concentrator is disclosed with one or more transverse-junction solar cells (also termed point contact solar cells) and a lens located above each solar cell to concentrate sunlight onto the solar cell to generate electricity. Piezoelectric actuators tilt or translate each lens to track the sun using a feedback-control circuit which senses the electricity generated by one or more of the solar cells. The piezoelectric actuators can be coupled through a displacement-multiplier linkage to provide an increased range of movement of each lens. Each lens in the solar concentrator can be supported on a frame (also termed a tilt plate) having three legs, with the movement of the legs being controlled by the piezoelectric actuators.
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Fullerene surfactants and their use in polymer solar cells
Jen, Kwan-Yue; Yip, Hin-Lap; Li, Chang-Zhi
2015-12-15
Fullerene surfactant compounds useful as interfacial layer in polymer solar cells to enhance solar cell efficiency. Polymer solar cell including a fullerene surfactant-containing interfacial layer intermediate cathode and active layer.
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U.S. Solar-Terrestrial Research Program
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Intriligator, Devrie S.
The Committee on Solar-Terrestrial Research (CSTR) of the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences is charged with looking after the health of solar-terrestrial research in the United States. In 1984 the National Academy Press published the CSTR report “National Solar-Terrestrial Research Program.” This program implements the recommendations of the earlier National Research Council study “Solar-Terrestrial Research for the 1980's” (1981). The earlier study, which took over 18 months to complete and involved the participation of more than 150 scientists, specifically identified the principal scientific and management recommendations required for a balanced solar-terrestrial program. The present study was undertaken by CSTR in the fall of 1983 in response to a request from several concerned federal agencies and the Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate. Together, the two studies constitute a set that prescribes a broad-gaged solar-terrestrial program.
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Arrays of ultrathin silicon solar microcells
Rogers, John A.; Rockett, Angus A.; Nuzzo, Ralph; Yoon, Jongseung; Baca, Alfred
2015-08-11
Provided are solar cells, photovoltaics and related methods for making solar cells, wherein the solar cell is made of ultrathin solar grade or low quality silicon. In an aspect, the invention is a method of making a solar cell by providing a solar cell substrate having a receiving surface and assembling a printable semiconductor element on the receiving surface of the substrate via contact printing. The semiconductor element has a thickness that is less than or equal to 100 .mu.m and, for example, is made from low grade Si.
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Arrays of ultrathin silicon solar microcells
Rogers, John A; Rockett, Angus A; Nuzzo, Ralph; Yoon, Jongseung; Baca, Alfred
2014-03-25
Provided are solar cells, photovoltaics and related methods for making solar cells, wherein the solar cell is made of ultrathin solar grade or low quality silicon. In an aspect, the invention is a method of making a solar cell by providing a solar cell substrate having a receiving surface and assembling a printable semiconductor element on the receiving surface of the substrate via contact printing. The semiconductor element has a thickness that is less than or equal to 100 .mu.m and, for example, is made from low grade Si.
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A Short Progress Report on High-Efficiency Perovskite Solar Cells.
Tang, He; He, Shengsheng; Peng, Chuangwei
2017-12-01
Faced with the increasingly serious energy and environmental crisis in the world nowadays, the development of renewable energy has attracted increasingly more attention of all countries. Solar energy as an abundant and cheap energy is one of the most promising renewable energy sources. While high-performance solar cells have been well developed in the last couple of decades, the high module cost largely hinders wide deployment of photovoltaic devices. In the last 10 years, this urgent demand for cost-effective solar cells greatly facilitates the research of solar cells. This paper reviews the recent development of cost-effective and high-efficient solar cell technologies. This report paper covers low-cost and high-efficiency perovskite solar cells. The development and the state-of-the-art results of perovskite solar cell technologies are also introduced.
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Review of status developments of high-efficiency crystalline silicon solar cells
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Liu, Jingjing; Yao, Yao; Xiao, Shaoqing; Gu, Xiaofeng
2018-03-01
In order to further improve cell efficiency and reduce cost in achieving grid parity, a large number of PV manufacturing companies, universities and research institutes have been devoted to a variety of low-cost and high-efficiency crystalline Si solar cells. In this article, the cell structures, characteristics and efficiency progresses of several types of high-efficiency crystalline Si solar cells that have been in small scale production or are promising in mass production are presented, including passivated emitter rear cell, tunnel oxide passivated contact solar cell, interdigitated back contact cell, heterojunction with intrinsic thin-layer cell, and heterojunction solar cells with interdigitated back contacts. Both the industrialization status and future development trend of high-efficiency crystalline silicon solar cells are also pinpointed.
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Solar Cell Fabrication Studies Pertinent to Developing Countries.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Prah, Joseph Henry
That there is a need in the world today, and in the Third World in particular, for developing renewable energy sources is a proposition without question. Toward that end, the harnessing of solar energy has attracted much attention recently. In this thesis, we have addressed the question of Photovoltaics among the many approaches to the problem as being of poignant relevance in the Third World. Based on our studies, which involved the physics of solar cells, various solar cell configurations, the materials for their fabrication and their fabrication sequences, we arrived at the conclusion that silicon homojunction solar cells are best suited to the present needs and environment of, and suitable for development in the Third World, though Cadmium Sulphide-Cuprous Sulphide solar cell could be considered as a viable future candidate. Attendant with the adoption of photovoltaics as electric energy supply, is the problem of technology transfer and development. Towards that goal, we carried out in the laboratory, the fabrication of solar cells using very simple fabrication sequences and materials to demonstrate that tolerable efficiencies are achievable by their use. The view is also presented that for a thriving and viable solar cell industry in the Third World, the sine qua non is an integrated national policies involving all facets of solar cell manufacture and application, namely, material processing and fabrication, basic research, and development and socio -economic acceptance of solar cell appliances. To demonstrate how basic research could benefit solar cell fabrication, we undertook a number of experiments, such as varying our fabrication sequences and materials, finding their radiation tolerance, and carrying out Deep Level Transient Spectroscopy (DLTS) studies, in an attempt to understand some of the fabrication and environmental factors which limit solar cell performance. We thus found that subjecting wafers to preheat treatments does not improve solar cell performance, but rather reduces solar cell radiation tolerance. Also P-type substrate solar cells were found to be more radiation resistant than N-type substrate solar cells. The Deep Level Transient Spectroscopy results showed that carbon and oxygen, as one would expect, are chief contaminants of the silicon wafers that we used in the fabrication of our solar cells. . . . (Author's abstract exceeds stipulated maximum length. Discontinued here with permission of author.) UMI.
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Solar Photovoltaic and Liquid Natural Gas Opportunities for Command Naval Region Hawaii
2014-12-01
Utilities Commission xii PV Photovoltaic Pwr Power RE Renewable Energy Re-gas Regasification RFP Request For Proposal RMI Rocky... forecasted LS diesel price and the forecasted LNG delivered-to-the- power -plant cost. The forecast for LS diesel by FGE from year 2020–2030 is seen...annual/html/epa_08_01.html Electric Power Research Institute. (July, 2010). Addressing solar photovoltaic operations and maintenance challenges: A
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CESA-1 receiver design review. Phase 1. Final report
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Not Available
1980-07-01
The Central Electrica Solar de Almeria CESA-1 is a 1.0 MWe water/steam solar central receiver electric power plant being built by the Spanish in Almeria, Spain. Centro de Estudios de la Energia (CEE) is responsible for the management, design, and construction of the project. At the request of the Solar Energy Research Institute and with the approval of the Department of Energy, Sandia National Laboratories, Livermore is providing technical assistance in areas unique to solar applications to CEE. At the request of CEE, Sandia contracted with Foster Wheeler Development Corporation (FWDC) to critically review and evaluate the CESA-1 receiver design.more » Foster Wheeler Iberia (FWI) was subcontracted to FWDC to coordinate efforts with CEE in Madrid. The FWDC program which was started on July 9, 1979, was subdivided into three tasks: (1) design basis review: critical review of the receiver design specifications and requirements; (2) design review and analyses: critical review of thermal/hydraulic, structural, and materials aspects of the receiver design and the design and analysis procedures used by the designer in critical areas of the design; and (3) operational review: critical review of receiver instrumentation and controls and the operational and safety aspects of the receiver. Results of the design review and evaluation are presented. (WHK)« less
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High-Efficiency Flexible Solar Cells Based on Organometal Halide Perovskites.
Wang, Yuming; Bai, Sai; Cheng, Lu; Wang, Nana; Wang, Jianpu; Gao, Feng; Huang, Wei
2016-06-01
Flexible and light-weight solar cells are important because they not only supply power to wearable and portable devices, but also reduce the transportation and installation cost of solar panels. High-efficiency organometal halide perovskite solar cells can be fabricated by a low-temperature solution process, and hence are promising for flexible-solar-cell applications. Here, the development of perovskite solar cells is briefly discussed, followed by the merits of organometal halide perovskites as promising candidates as high-efficiency, flexible, and light-weight photovoltaic materials. Afterward, recent developments of flexible solar cells based on perovskites are reviewed. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.
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Assessment of a Solar Cell Panel Spatial Arrangement Influence on Electricity Generation
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Anisimov, I. A.; Burakova, L. N.; Burakova, A. D.; Burakova, O. D.
2017-05-01
The research evaluates the impact of the spatial arrangement of solar cell panels on the amount of electricity generated (power generated by solar cell panel) in Tyumen. Dependences of the power generated by the solar panel on the time of day, air temperature, weather conditions and the spatial arrangement are studied. Formulas for the calculation of the solar cell panel inclination angle which provides electricity to urban infrastructure are offered. Based on the data in the future, changing of inclination angle of solar cell panel will be confirmed experimentally during the year in Tyumen, and recommendations for installing solar cell panels in urban infrastructure will be developed.
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Evaluation of solar cells and arrays for potential solar power satellite applications
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Almgren, D. W.; Csigi, K.; Gaudet, A. D.
1978-01-01
Proposed solar array designs and manufacturing methods are evaluated to identify options which show the greatest promise of leading up to the develpment of a cost-effective SPS solar cell array design. The key program elements which have to be accomplished as part of an SPS solar cell array development program are defined. The issues focussed on are: (1) definition of one or more designs of a candidate SPS solar array module, using results from current system studies; (2) development of the necessary manufacturing requirements for the candidate SPS solar cell arrays and an assessment of the market size, timing, and industry infrastructure needed to produce the arrays for the SPS program; (3) evaluation of current DOE, NASA and DOD photovoltaic programs to determine the impacts of recent advances in solar cell materials, array designs and manufacturing technology on the candidate SPS solar cell arrays; and (4) definition of key program elements for the development of the most promising solar cell arrays for the SPS program.
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Micro Solar Cells with Concentration and Light Trapping Optics
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Li, Lanfang; Breuckner, Eric; Corcoran, Christopher; Yao, Yuan; Xu, Lu; Nuzzo, Ralph
2013-03-01
Compared with conventional bulk plate semiconductor solar cells, micro solar cells provide opportunity for novel design geometry and provide test bed for light trapping at the device level as well as module level. Surface recombination, however, will have to be addressed properly as the much increased surface area due to the reduced dimension is more prominent in these devices than conventional solar cells. In this poster, we present experimental demonstration of silicon micro solar cells with concentration and light trapping optics. Silicon micro solar cell with optimized surface passivation and doping profile that exhibit high efficiency is demonstrated. Effective incorporation of high quantum yield fluorescent centers in the polymer matrix into which micro solar cell was encapsulated was investigated for luminescent solar concentration application. Micro-cell on a semi-transparent, nanopatterned reflector formed by soft-imprint lithography was investigated for near field effect related solar conversion performance enhancement. This work is supported by the DOE `Light-Material Interactions in Energy Conversion' Energy Frontier Research Center under grant DE-SC0001293
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An ultraviolet responsive hybrid solar cell based on titania/poly(3-hexylthiophene).
Wu, Jihuai; Yue, Gentian; Xiao, Yaoming; Lin, Jianming; Huang, Miaoliang; Lan, Zhang; Tang, Qunwei; Huang, Yunfang; Fan, Leqing; Yin, Shu; Sato, Tsugio
2013-01-01
Here we present an ultraviolet responsive inorganic-organic hybrid solar cell based on titania/poly(3-hexylthiophene) (TiO(2)/P3HT) heterojuction. In this solar cell, TiO(2) is an ultraviolet light absorber and electronic conductor, P3HT is a hole conductor, the light-to-electrical conversion is realized by the cooperation for these two components. Doping ionic salt in P3HT polymer can improve the photovoltaic performance of the solar cell. Under ultraviolet light irradiation with intensity of 100 mW·cm(-2), the hybrid solar cell doped with 1.0 wt.% lithium iodide achieves an energy conversion efficiency of 1.28%, which is increased by 33.3% compared to that of the hybrid solar cell without lithium iodide doping. Our results open a novel sunlight irradiation field for solar energy utilization, demonstrate the feasibility of ultraviolet responsive solar cells, and provide a new route for enhancing the photovoltaic performance of solar cells.
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An ultraviolet responsive hybrid solar cell based on titania/poly(3-hexylthiophene)
Wu, Jihuai; Yue, Gentian; Xiao, Yaoming; Lin, Jianming; Huang, Miaoliang; Lan, Zhang; Tang, Qunwei; Huang, Yunfang; Fan, Leqing; Yin, Shu; Sato, Tsugio
2013-01-01
Here we present an ultraviolet responsive inorganic-organic hybrid solar cell based on titania/poly(3-hexylthiophene) (TiO2/P3HT) heterojuction. In this solar cell, TiO2 is an ultraviolet light absorber and electronic conductor, P3HT is a hole conductor, the light-to-electrical conversion is realized by the cooperation for these two components. Doping ionic salt in P3HT polymer can improve the photovoltaic performance of the solar cell. Under ultraviolet light irradiation with intensity of 100 mW·cm−2, the hybrid solar cell doped with 1.0 wt.% lithium iodide achieves an energy conversion efficiency of 1.28%, which is increased by 33.3% compared to that of the hybrid solar cell without lithium iodide doping. Our results open a novel sunlight irradiation field for solar energy utilization, demonstrate the feasibility of ultraviolet responsive solar cells, and provide a new route for enhancing the photovoltaic performance of solar cells. PMID:23412470
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Highly efficient light management for perovskite solar cells
Wang, Dong-Lin; Cui, Hui-Juan; Hou, Guo-Jiao; Zhu, Zhen-Gang; Yan, Qing-Bo; Su, Gang
2016-01-01
Organic-inorganic halide perovskite solar cells have enormous potential to impact the existing photovoltaic industry. As realizing a higher conversion efficiency of the solar cell is still the most crucial task, a great number of schemes were proposed to minimize the carrier loss by optimizing the electrical properties of the perovskite solar cells. Here, we focus on another significant aspect that is to minimize the light loss by optimizing the light management to gain a high efficiency for perovskite solar cells. In our scheme, the slotted and inverted prism structured SiO2 layers are adopted to trap more light into the solar cells, and a better transparent conducting oxide layer is employed to reduce the parasitic absorption. For such an implementation, the efficiency and the serviceable angle of the perovskite solar cell can be promoted impressively. This proposal would shed new light on developing the high-performance perovskite solar cells. PMID:26733112
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Mechanisms limiting the performance of large grain polycrystalline silicon solar cells
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Culik, J. S.; Alexander, P.; Dumas, K. A.; Wohlgemuth, J. W.
1984-01-01
The open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current of large-grain (1 to 10 mm grain diameter) polycrystalline silicon solar cells is determined by the minority-carrier diffusion length within the bulk of the grains. This was demonstrated by irradiating polycrystalline and single-crystal (Czochralski) silicon solar cells with 1 MeV electrons to reduce their bulk lifetime. The variation of short-circuit current with minority-carrier diffusion length for the polycrystalline solar cells is identical to that of the single-crystal solar cells. The open-circuit voltage versus short-circuit current characteristic of the polycrystalline solar cells for reduced diffusion lengths is also identical to that of the single-crystal solar cells. The open-circuit voltage of the polycrystalline solar cells is a strong function of quasi-neutral (bulk) recombination, and is reduced only slightly, if at all, by grain-boundary recombination.
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Highly efficient light management for perovskite solar cells
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Wang, Dong-Lin; Cui, Hui-Juan; Hou, Guo-Jiao; Zhu, Zhen-Gang; Yan, Qing-Bo; Su, Gang
2016-01-01
Organic-inorganic halide perovskite solar cells have enormous potential to impact the existing photovoltaic industry. As realizing a higher conversion efficiency of the solar cell is still the most crucial task, a great number of schemes were proposed to minimize the carrier loss by optimizing the electrical properties of the perovskite solar cells. Here, we focus on another significant aspect that is to minimize the light loss by optimizing the light management to gain a high efficiency for perovskite solar cells. In our scheme, the slotted and inverted prism structured SiO2 layers are adopted to trap more light into the solar cells, and a better transparent conducting oxide layer is employed to reduce the parasitic absorption. For such an implementation, the efficiency and the serviceable angle of the perovskite solar cell can be promoted impressively. This proposal would shed new light on developing the high-performance perovskite solar cells.
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NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Hill, David C.; Rose, M. Frank
1994-01-01
The results of the postflight analysis of the solar cell assemblies from the LDEF (Long Duration Exposure facility) experiment A0171 is provided in this NASA sponsored research project. The following data on this research are provided as follows: (1) solar cell description, including, substrate composition and thickness, crystal orientation, anti-reflective coating composition and thickness; (2) preflight characteristics of the solar cell assemblies with respect to current and voltage; and (3) post-flight characteristics of the solar cell assemblies with respect to voltage and current. These solar cell assemblies are part of the Goddard Space Flight Center test plate which was designed to test the space environment effects (radiation, atomic oxygen, thermal cycling, meteoroid and debris) on conductively coated solar cell coversheets, various electrical bond materials, solar cell performance, and other material properties where feasible.
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Development of Thin Solar Cells for Space Applications at NASA Glenn Research Center
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Dickman, John E.; Hepp, Aloysius; Banger, Kulbinder K.; Harris, Jerry D.; Jin, Michael H.
2003-01-01
NASA GRC Thin Film Solar Cell program is developing solar cell technologies for space applications which address two critical metrics: higher specific power (power per unit mass) and lower launch stowed volume. To be considered for space applications, an array using thin film solar cells must offer significantly higher specific power while reducing stowed volume compared to the present technologies being flown on space missions, namely crystalline solar cells. The NASA GRC program is developing single-source precursors and the requisite deposition hardware to grow high-efficiency, thin-film solar cells on polymer substrates at low deposition temperatures. Using low deposition temperatures enables the thin film solar cells to be grown on a variety of polymer substrates, many of which would not survive the high temperature processing currently used to fabricate thin film solar cells. The talk will present the latest results of this research program.
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Highly efficient light management for perovskite solar cells.
Wang, Dong-Lin; Cui, Hui-Juan; Hou, Guo-Jiao; Zhu, Zhen-Gang; Yan, Qing-Bo; Su, Gang
2016-01-06
Organic-inorganic halide perovskite solar cells have enormous potential to impact the existing photovoltaic industry. As realizing a higher conversion efficiency of the solar cell is still the most crucial task, a great number of schemes were proposed to minimize the carrier loss by optimizing the electrical properties of the perovskite solar cells. Here, we focus on another significant aspect that is to minimize the light loss by optimizing the light management to gain a high efficiency for perovskite solar cells. In our scheme, the slotted and inverted prism structured SiO2 layers are adopted to trap more light into the solar cells, and a better transparent conducting oxide layer is employed to reduce the parasitic absorption. For such an implementation, the efficiency and the serviceable angle of the perovskite solar cell can be promoted impressively. This proposal would shed new light on developing the high-performance perovskite solar cells.
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Mixed Sn-Ge Perovskite for Enhanced Perovskite Solar Cell Performance in Air.
Ito, Nozomi; Kamarudin, Muhammad Akmal; Hirotani, Daisuke; Zhang, Yaohong; Shen, Qing; Ogomi, Yuhei; Iikubo, Satoshi; Minemoto, Takashi; Yoshino, Kenji; Hayase, Shuzi
2018-04-05
Lead-based perovskite solar cells have gained ground in recent years, showing efficiency as high as 20%, which is on par with that of silicon solar cells. However, the toxicity of lead makes it a nonideal candidate for use in solar cells. Alternatively, tin-based perovskites have been proposed because of their nontoxic nature and abundance. Unfortunately, these solar cells suffer from low efficiency and stability. Here, we propose a new type of perovskite material based on mixed tin and germanium. The material showed a band gap around 1.4-1.5 eV as measured from photoacoustic spectroscopy, which is ideal from the perspective of solar cells. In a solar cell device with inverted planar structure, pure tin perovskite solar cell showed a moderate efficiency of 3.31%. With 5% doping of germanium into the perovskite, the efficiency improved up to 4.48% (6.90% after 72 h) when measured in air without encapsulation.
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Automated solar module assembly line
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Bycer, M.
1980-01-01
The solar module assembly machine which Kulicke and Soffa delivered under this contract is a cell tabbing and stringing machine, and capable of handling a variety of cells and assembling strings up to 4 feet long which then can be placed into a module array up to 2 feet by 4 feet in a series of parallel arrangement, and in a straight or interdigitated array format. The machine cycle is 5 seconds per solar cell. This machine is primarily adapted to 3 inch diameter round cells with two tabs between cells. Pulsed heat is used as the bond technique for solar cell interconnects. The solar module assembly machine unloads solar cells from a cassette, automatically orients them, applies flux and solders interconnect ribbons onto the cells. It then inverts the tabbed cells, connects them into cell strings, and delivers them into a module array format using a track mounted vacuum lance, from which they are taken to test and cleaning benches prior to final encapsulation into finished solar modules. Throughout the machine the solar cell is handled very carefully, and any contact with the collector side of the cell is avoided or minimized.
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NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Berdahl, C. M.
1981-01-01
Forty cm Sun tracker, consisting of optical telescope and four solar cells, stays pointed at Sun throughout day for maximum energy collection. Each solar cell generates voltage proportional to part of solar image it receives; voltages drive servomotors that keep image centered. Mirrored portion of cylinder extends acquisition angle of device by reflecting Sun image back onto solar cells.
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Results of the 1973 NASA/JPL balloon flight solar cell calibration program
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Yasui, R. K.; Greenwood, R. F.
1975-01-01
High altitude balloon flights carried 37 standard solar cells for calibration above 99.5 percent of the earth's atmosphere. The cells were assembled into standard modules with appropriate resistors to load each cell at short circuit current. Each standardized module was mounted at the apex of the balloon on a sun tracker which automatically maintained normal incidence to the sun within 1.0 deg. The balloons were launched to reach a float altitude of approximately 36.6 km two hours before solar noon and remain at float altitude for two hours beyond solar noon. Telemetered calibration data on each standard solar cell was collected and recorded on magnetic tape. At the end of each float period the solar cell payload was separated from the balloon by radio command and descended via parachute to a ground recovery crew. Standard solar cells calibrated and recovered in this manner are used as primary intensity reference standards in solar simulators and in terrestrial sunlight for evaluating the performance of other solar cells and solar arrays with similar spectral response characteristics.
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Solar Eclipse Computer API: Planning Ahead for August 2017
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Bartlett, Jennifer L.; Chizek Frouard, Malynda; Lesniak, Michael V.; Bell, Steve
2016-01-01
With the total solar eclipse of 2017 August 21 over the continental United States approaching, the U.S. Naval Observatory (USNO) on-line Solar Eclipse Computer can now be accessed via an application programming interface (API). This flexible interface returns local circumstances for any solar eclipse in JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) that can be incorporated into third-party Web sites or applications. For a given year, it can also return a list of solar eclipses that can be used to build a more specific request for local circumstances. Over the course of a particular eclipse as viewed from a specific site, several events may be visible: the beginning and ending of the eclipse (first and fourth contacts), the beginning and ending of totality (second and third contacts), the moment of maximum eclipse, sunrise, or sunset. For each of these events, the USNO Solar Eclipse Computer reports the time, Sun's altitude and azimuth, and the event's position and vertex angles. The computer also reports the duration of the total phase, the duration of the eclipse, the magnitude of the eclipse, and the percent of the Sun obscured for a particular eclipse site. On-line documentation for using the API-enabled Solar Eclipse Computer, including sample calls, is available (http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/api.php). The same Web page also describes how to reach the Complete Sun and Moon Data for One Day, Phases of the Moon, Day and Night Across the Earth, and Apparent Disk of a Solar System Object services using API calls.For those who prefer using a traditional data input form, local circumstances can still be requested that way at http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/SolarEclipses.php. In addition, the 2017 August 21 Solar Eclipse Resource page (http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/Eclipse2017.php) consolidates all of the USNO resources for this event, including a Google Map view of the eclipse track designed by Her Majesty's Nautical Almanac Office (HMNAO). Looking further ahead, a 2024 April 8 Solar Eclipse Resource page (http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/Eclipse2024.php) is also available.
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Enhancing Solar Cell Efficiency Using Photon Upconversion Materials
Shang, Yunfei; Hao, Shuwei; Yang, Chunhui; Chen, Guanying
2015-01-01
Photovoltaic cells are able to convert sunlight into electricity, providing enough of the most abundant and cleanest energy to cover our energy needs. However, the efficiency of current photovoltaics is significantly impeded by the transmission loss of sub-band-gap photons. Photon upconversion is a promising route to circumvent this problem by converting these transmitted sub-band-gap photons into above-band-gap light, where solar cells typically have high quantum efficiency. Here, we summarize recent progress on varying types of efficient upconversion materials as well as their outstanding uses in a series of solar cells, including silicon solar cells (crystalline and amorphous), gallium arsenide (GaAs) solar cells, dye-sensitized solar cells, and other types of solar cells. The challenge and prospect of upconversion materials for photovoltaic applications are also discussed. PMID:28347095
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High saturation solar light beam induced current scanning of solar cells.
Vorster, F J; van Dyk, E E
2007-01-01
The response of the electrical parameters of photovoltaic cells under concentrated solar irradiance has been the subject of many studies performed in recent times. The high saturation conditions typically found in solar cells that are subjected to highly concentrated solar radiation may cause electrically active cell features to behave differently than under monochromatic laser illumination, normally used in light beam induced current (LBIC) investigations. A high concentration solar LBIC (S-LBIC) measurement system has been developed to perform localized cell characterization. The responses of silicon solar cells that were measured qualitatively include externally biased induced cell current at specific cell voltages, I(V), open circuit voltage, V(oc), and the average rate of change of the cell bias with the induced current, DeltaV/DeltaI(V), close to the zero bias region. These images show the relative scale of the parameters of a cell up to the penetration depth of the solar beam and can be obtained with relative ease, qualifying important electrical response features of the solar cell. The S-LBIC maps were also compared with maps that were similarly obtained using a high intensity He-Ne laser beam probe. This article reports on the techniques employed and initial results obtained.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Chadel, Meriem; Chadel, Asma; Moustafa Bouzaki, Mohammed; Aillerie, Michel; Benyoucef, Boumediene; Charles, Jean-Pierre
2017-11-01
Performances of ZnO/ZnS/CZTSSe polycrystalline thin film solar cells (Copper Zinc Tin Sulphur Selenium-solar cell) were simulated for different thicknesses of the absorber and ZnS buffer layers. Simulations were performed with SCAPS (Solar Cell Capacitance Simulator) software, starting with actual parameters available from industrial data for commercial cells processing. The influences of the thickness of the various layers in the structure of the solar cell and the gap profile of the CZTSSe absorber layer on the performance of the solar cell were studied in detail. Through considerations of recent works, we discuss possible routes to enhance the performance of CZTSSe solar cells towards a higher efficiency level. Thus, we found that for one specific thickness of the absorber layer, the efficiency of the CZTSSe solar cell can be increased when a ZnS layer replaces the usual CdS buffer layer. On the other hand, the efficiency of the solar cell can be also improved when the absorber layer presents a grad-gap. In this case, the maximum efficiency for the CZTSSe cell was found equal to 13.73%.
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Organic solar cells and physics education
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Csernovszky, Zoltán; Horváth, Ákos
2018-07-01
This paper explains the operational principles of a home-made organic solar cell with the representation of an electron-cycle on an energy-level diagram. We present test data for a home-made organic solar cell which operates as a galvanic cell and current source in an electrical circuit. To determine the maximum power of the cell, the optimal current was estimated with a linear approximation. Using different light sources and dyes, the electrical properties of organic solar cells were compared. The solar cells were studied by looking at spectrophotometric data from different sensitizer dyes, generated by a do-it-yourself diffraction grating spectroscope. The sensitizer dyes of solar cells were tested by the diffraction grating spectroscope. The data were analysed on a light-intensity‑wavelength diagram to discover which photons were absorbed and to understand the colours of the fruits containing these dyes. In terms of theoretical applications, the paper underlines the analogous nature of organic solar cells, a conventional single p‑n junction solar cell and the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis, using energy-level diagrams of electron-cycles. To conclude, a classification of photon‑electron interactions in molecular systems and crystal lattices is offered, to show the importance of organic solar cells.
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78 FR 26771 - Otter Creek Solar LLC; Notice of Petition for Enforcement
Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2013-05-08
... Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA), requesting the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission... contrary to the requirements of PURPA and the Commission's regulations and in violation of the Federal...
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Studies of silicon p-n junction solar cells
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Neugroschel, A.; Lindholm, F. A.
1979-01-01
To provide theoretical support for investigating different ways to obtain high open-circuit voltages in p-n junction silicon solar cells, an analytical treatment of heavily doped transparent-emitter devices is presented that includes the effects of bandgap narrowing, Fermi-Dirac statistics, a doping concentration gradient, and a finite surface recombination velocity at the emitter surface. Topics covered include: (1) experimental determination of bandgap narrowing in the emitter of silicon p-n junction devices; (2) heavily doped transparent regions in junction solar cells, diodes, and transistors; (3) high-low-emitter solar cell; (4) determination of lifetimes and recombination currents in p-n junction solar cells; (5) MOS and oxide-charged-induced BSF solar cells; and (6) design of high efficiency solar cells for space and terrestrial applications.
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Manipulating Light to Understand and Improve Solar Cells (494th Brookhaven Lecture)
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Eisaman, Matthew
2014-04-16
Energy consumption around the world is projected to approximately triple by the end of the century, according to the 2005 Report from the U.S. Department of Energy's Basic Energy Sciences Workshop on Solar Energy Utilization. Much will change in those next 86 years, but for all the power the world needs—for everything from manufacturing and transportation to air conditioning and charging cell phone batteries—improved solar cells will be crucial to meet this future energy demand with renewable energy sources. At Brookhaven Lab, scientists are probing solar cells and exploring variations within the cells—variations that are so small they are measuredmore » in billionths of a meter—in order to make increasingly efficient solar cells and ultimately help reduce the overall costs of deploying solar power plants. Dr. Eisaman will discuss DOE's Sunshot Initiative, which aims to reduce the cost of solar cell-generated electricity by 2020. He will also discuss how he and collaborators at Brookhaven Lab are probing different material compositions within solar cells, measuring how efficiently they collect electrical charge, helping to develop a new class of solar cells, and improving solar-cell manufacturing processes.« less
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NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Edmondson, Kenneth M.; Joslin, David E.; Fetzer, Chris M.; King, RIchard R.; Karam, Nasser H.; Mardesich, Nick; Stella, Paul M.; Rapp, Donald; Mueller, Robert
2007-01-01
The unparalleled success of the Mars Exploration Rovers (MER) powered by GaInP/GaAs/Ge triple-junction solar cells has demonstrated a lifetime for the rovers that exceeded the baseline mission duration by more than a factor of five. This provides confidence in future longer-term solar powered missions on the surface of Mars. However, the solar cells used on the rovers are not optimized for the Mars surface solar spectrum, which is attenuated at shorter wavelengths due to scattering by the dusty atmosphere. The difference between the Mars surface spectrum and the AM0 spectrum increases with solar zenith angle and optical depth. The recent results of a program between JPL and Spectrolab to optimize GaInP/GaAs/Ge solar cells for Mars are presented. Initial characterization focuses on the solar spectrum at 60-degrees zenith angle at an optical depth of 0.5. The 60-degree spectrum is reduced to 1/6 of the AM0 intensity and is further reduced in the blue portion of the spectrum. JPL has modeled the Mars surface solar spectra, modified an X-25 solar simulator, and completed testing of Mars-optimized solar cells previously developed by Spectrolab with the modified X-25 solar simulator. Spectrolab has focused on the optimization of the higher efficiency Ultra Triple-Junction (UTJ) solar cell for Mars. The attenuated blue portion of the spectrum requires the modification of the top sub-cell in the GaInP/GaAs/Ge solar cell for improved current balancing in the triple-junction cell. Initial characterization confirms the predicted increase in power and current matched operation for the Mars surface 60-degree zenith angle solar spectrum.
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2010-03-10
...; Comment Request; Reinstatement of OMB No. 0925-0601/exp. 02/28/2010, Request for Human Embryonic Stem Cell... period seeking public comment for an information collection entitled ``Request for Human Embryonic Stem Cell Line to be Approved for Use in NIH Funded Research''. In the second paragraph of the notice...
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Analysis of each branch current of serial solar cells by using an equivalent circuit model
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Yi, Shi-Guang; Zhang, Wan-Hui; Ai, Bin; Song, Jing-Wei; Shen, Hui
2014-02-01
In this paper, based on the equivalent single diode circuit model of the solar cell, an equivalent circuit diagram for two serial solar cells is drawn. Its equations of current and voltage are derived from Kirchhoff's current and voltage law. First, parameters are obtained from the I—V (current—voltage) curves for typical monocrystalline silicon solar cells (125 mm × 125 mm). Then, by regarding photo-generated current, shunt resistance, serial resistance of the first solar cell, and resistance load as the variables. The properties of shunt currents (Ish1 and Ish2), diode currents (ID1 and ID2), and load current (IL) for the whole two serial solar cells are numerically analyzed in these four cases for the first time, and the corresponding physical explanations are made. We find that these parameters have different influences on the internal currents of solar cells. Our results will provide a reference for developing higher efficiency solar cell module and contribute to the better understanding of the reason of efficiency loss of solar cell module.
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Japanese photovoltaic power generation for space application
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Saga, T.; Kiyota, Y.; Matsutani, T.; Suzuki, A.; Kawasaki, O.; Hisamatsu, T.; Matsuda, S.
1996-01-01
This paper describes Japanese activities on mainly silicon solar cell research development and applications. The high efficiency thin silicon solar cells and the same kinds of solar cells with integrated bypass function (IBF cells) were developed and qualified for space applications. The most efficient cells (NRS/LBSF cells) showed average 18% at AMO and 28 C conditions. After electron irradiation, NRS/BSF cells showed higher efficiency than NRS/LBSF cells. The IBF cells do not suffer high reverse voltage and can survive from shadowing. The designs and characteristics of these solar cells are presented. In the last section, our future plan for the solar cell calibration is presented.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Zhang, Yaoju; Zheng, Jun; Zhao, Xuesong; Ruan, Xiukai; Cui, Guihua; Zhu, Haiyong; Dai, Yuxing
2018-03-01
A practical model of crystalline silicon-wafer solar cells is proposed in order to enhance the light absorption and improve the conversion efficiency of silicon solar cells. In the model, the front surface of the silicon photovoltaic film is designed to be a textured-triangular-grating (TTG) structure, and the ITO contact film and the antireflection coating (ARC) of glass are coated on the TTG surface of silicon solar cells. The optical absorption spectrum of solar cells are simulated by applying the finite difference time domain method. Electrical parameters of the solar cells are calculated using two models with and without carrier loss. The effect of structure parameters on the performance of the TTG cell is discussed in detail. It is found that the thickness (tg) of the ARC, period (p) of grating, and base angle (θ) of triangle have a crucial influence on the conversion efficiency. The optimal structure of the TTG cell is designed. The TTG solar cell can produce higher efficiency in a wide range of solar incident angle and the average efficiency of the optimal TTG cell over 7:30-16:30 time of day is 8% higher than that of the optimal plane solar cell. In addition, the study shows that the bulk recombination of carriers has an influence on the conversion efficiency of the cell, the conversion efficiency of the actual solar cell with carrier recombination is reduced by 20.0% of the ideal cell without carrier recombination.
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Yu, Zhengshan; Leilaeioun, Mehdi; Holman, Zachary
2016-09-26
Combining silicon and other materials in tandem solar cells is one approach to enhancing the overall power conversion efficiency of the cells. Here, we argue that top cell partners for silicon tandem solar cells should be selected on the basis of their spectral efficiency — their efficiency resolved by wavelength.
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DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Yu, Zhengshan; Leilaeioun, Mehdi; Holman, Zachary
Combining silicon and other materials in tandem solar cells is one approach to enhancing the overall power conversion efficiency of the cells. Here, we argue that top cell partners for silicon tandem solar cells should be selected on the basis of their spectral efficiency — their efficiency resolved by wavelength.
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Results of the 1970 balloon flight solar cell standardization program
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Greenwood, R. F.
1972-01-01
For the eighth consective year, high-altitude calibration of solar cells was accomplished with the aid of free-flight balloons. Flights were conducted to an altitude of 36,576 m which is above 99.5% of earth's atmosphere where all water vapor levels and significant ozone bands are absent. Solar cells calibrated in this manner are significant used as intensity references in solar simulators and in terrestrial sunlight. Discussed is the method employed for high altitude balloon flight solar cell calibration. Also presented are data collected on 52 standard solar cells on two flights conducted in 1970. Solar cells flown repeatedly on successive flights have shown correlation of better than + or - 1.0%.
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Photovoltaic solar concentrator
Nielson, Gregory N.; Gupta, Vipin P.; Okandan, Murat; Watts, Michael R.
2016-03-15
A photovoltaic solar concentrator is disclosed with one or more transverse-junction solar cells (also termed point contact solar cells) and a lens located above each solar cell to concentrate sunlight onto the solar cell to generate electricity. Piezoelectric actuators tilt or translate each lens to track the sun using a feedback-control circuit which senses the electricity generated by one or more of the solar cells. The piezoelectric actuators can be coupled through a displacement-multiplier linkage to provide an increased range of movement of each lens. Each lens in the solar concentrator can be supported on a frame (also termed a tilt plate) having three legs, with the movement of the legs being controlled by the piezoelectric actuators.
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Photovoltaic solar concentrator
Nielson, Gregory N.; Okandan, Murat; Resnick, Paul J.; Cruz-Campa, Jose Luis
2012-12-11
A photovoltaic solar concentrator is disclosed with one or more transverse-junction solar cells (also termed point contact solar cells) and a lens located above each solar cell to concentrate sunlight onto the solar cell to generate electricity. Piezoelectric actuators tilt or translate each lens to track the sun using a feedback-control circuit which senses the electricity generated by one or more of the solar cells. The piezoelectric actuators can be coupled through a displacement-multiplier linkage to provide an increased range of movement of each lens. Each lens in the solar concentrator can be supported on a frame (also termed a tilt plate) having three legs, with the movement of the legs being controlled by the piezoelectric actuators.
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ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Mickey, Charles D.
1981-01-01
Reviews information on solar radiation as an energy source. Discusses these topics: the key photovoltaic material; the bank theory of solids; conductors, semiconductors, and insulators; impurity semiconductors; solid-state photovoltaic cell operation; limitations on solar cell efficiency; silicon solar cells; cadmium sulfide/copper (I) sulfide…
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Sheet plastic filters for solar cells
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Wizenick, R. J.
1972-01-01
Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVF) film protects solar cells on Mars surface from radiation and prevents degradation of solar cell surfaces by Martian dust storms. PVF films may replace glass or quartz windows on solar cell arrays used to generate power on earth.
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Monolithic-Structured Single-Layered Textile-Based Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells.
Yun, Min Ju; Cha, Seung I; Kim, Han Seong; Seo, Seon Hee; Lee, Dong Y
2016-10-06
Textile-structured solar cells are frequently discussed in the literature due to their prospective applications in wearable devices and in building integrated solar cells that utilize their flexibility, mechanical robustness, and aesthetic appearance, but the current approaches for textile-based solar cells-including the preparation of fibre-type solar cells woven into textiles-face several difficulties from high friction and tension during the weaving process. This study proposes a new structural concept and fabrication process for monolithic-structured textile-based dye-sensitized solar cells that are fabricated by a process similar to the cloth-making process, including the preparation of wires and yarns that are woven for use in textiles, printed, dyed, and packaged. The fabricated single-layered textile-based dye-sensitized solar cells successfully act as solar cells in our study, even under bending conditions. By controlling the inter-weft spacing and the number of Ti wires for the photoelectrode conductor, we have found that the performance of this type of dye-sensitized solar cell was notably affected by the spacing between photoelectrodes and counter-electrodes, the exposed areas of Ti wires to photoelectrodes, and photoelectrodes' surface morphology. We believe that this study provides a process and concept for improved textile-based solar cells that can form the basis for further research.
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Development of a Thin Film Solar Cell Interconnect for the Powersphere Concept
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Simburger, Edward J.; Matsumoto, James H.; Giants, Thomas W.; Garcia, Alexander, III; Liu, Simon; Rawal, Suraj P.; Perry, Alan R.; Marshall, Craig H.; Lin, John K.; Scarborough, Stephen
2003-01-01
Progressive development of microsatellite technologies has resulted in increased demand for lightweight electrical power subsystems including solar arrays. The use of thin film photovoltaics has been recognized as a key solution to meet the power needs. The lightweight cells can generate sufficient power and still meet critical mass requirements. Commercially available solar cells produced on lightweight substrates are being studied as an option to fulfill the power needs. The commercially available solar cells are relatively inexpensive and have a high payoff potential. Commercially available thin film solar cells are primarily being produced for terrestrial applications. The need to convert the solar cell from a terrestrial to a space compatible application is the primary challenge. Solar cell contacts, grids and interconnects need to be designed to be atomic oxygen resistant and withstand rapid thermal cycling environments. A mechanically robust solar cell interconnect is also required in order to withstand handling during fabrication and survive during launch. The need to produce the solar cell interconnects has been identified as a primary goal of the Powersphere program and is the topic of this paper. Details of the trade study leading to the final design involving the solar cell wrap around contact, flex blanket, welding process, and frame will be presented at the conference.
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Peng, Yuelin; Govindaraju, Gokul V; Lee, Dong Ki; Choi, Kyoung-Shin; Andrew, Trisha L
2017-07-12
We report an unassisted solar water splitting system powered by a diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP)-containing semitransparent organic solar cell. Two major merits of this fullerene-free solar cell enable its integration with a BiVO 4 photoanode. First is the high open circuit voltage and high fill factor displayed by this single junction solar cell, which yields sufficient power to effect water splitting when serially connected to an appropriate electrode/catalyst. Second, the wavelength-resolved photoaction spectrum of the DPP-based solar cell has minimal overlap with that of the BiVO 4 photoanode, thus ensuring that light collection across these two components can be optimized. The latter feature enables a new water splitting device configuration wherein the solar cell is placed first in the path of incident light, before the BiVO 4 photoanode, although BiVO 4 has a wider bandgap. This configuration is accessed by replacing the reflective top electrode of the standard DPP-based solar cell with a thin metal film and an antireflection layer, thus rendering the solar cell semitransparent. In this configuration, incident light does not travel through the aqueous electrolyte to reach the solar cell or photoanode, and therefore, photon losses due to the scattering of water are reduced. Moreover, this new configuration allows the BiVO 4 photoanode to be back-illuminated, i.e., through the BiVO 4 /back contact interface, which leads to higher photocurrents compared to front illumination. The combination of a semitransparent single-junction solar cell and a BiVO 4 photoanode coated with oxygen evolution catalysts in a new device configuration yielded an unassisted solar water splitting system with a solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency of 2.2% in water.
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Automated assembly of Gallium Arsenide and 50-micron thick silicon solar cell modules
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Mesch, H. G.
1984-01-01
The TRW automated solar array assembly equipment was used for the module assembly of 300 GaAs solar cells and 300 50 micron thick silicon solar cells (2 x 4 cm in size). These cells were interconnected with silver plated Invar tabs by means of welding. The GaAs cells were bonded to Kapton graphite aluminum honeycomb graphite substrates and the thin silicon cells were bonded to 0.002 inch thick single layer Kapton substrates. The GaAs solar cell module assembly resulted in a yield of 86% and the thin cell assembly produced a yield of 46% due to intermittent sticking of weld electrodes during the front cell contact welding operation. (Previously assembled thin cell solar modules produced an overall assembly yield of greater than 80%).
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Integrated Access to Solar Observations With EGSO
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Csillaghy, A.
2003-12-01
{\\b Co-Authors}: J.Aboudarham (2), E.Antonucci (3), R.D.Bentely (4), L.Ciminiera (5), A.Finkelstein (4), J.B.Gurman(6), F.Hill (7), D.Pike (8), I.Scholl (9), V.Zharkova and the EGSO development team {\\b Institutions}: (2) Observatoire de Paris-Meudon (France); (3) INAF - Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica (Italy); (4) University College London (U.K.); (5) Politecnico di Torino (Italy), (6) NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (USA); (7) National Solar Observatory (USA); (8) Rutherford Appleton Lab. (U.K.); (9) Institut d'Astrophysique Spatial, Universite de Paris-Sud (France) ; (10) University of Bradford (U.K) {\\b Abstract}: The European Grid of Solar Observations is the European contribution to the deployment of a virtual solar observatory. The project is funded under the Information Society Technologies (IST) thematic programme of the European Commission's Fifth Framework. EGSO started in March 2002 and will last until March 2005. The project is categorized as a computer science effort. Evidently, a fair amount of issues it addresses are general to grid projects. Nevertheless, EGSO is also of benefit to the application domains, including solar physics, space weather, climate physics and astrophysics. With EGSO, researchers as well as the general public can access and combine solar data from distributed archives in an integrated virtual solar resource. Users express queries based on various search parameters. The search possibilities of EGSO extend the search possibilities of traditional data access systems. For instance, users can formulate a query to search for simultaneous observations of a specific solar event in a given number of wavelengths. In other words, users can search for observations on the basis of events and phenomena, rather than just time and location. The software architecture consists of three collaborating components: a consumer, a broker and a provider. The first component, the consumer, organizes the end user interaction and controls requests submitted to the grid. The consumer is thus in charge of tasks such as request handling, request composition, data visualization and data caching. The second component, the provider, is dedicated to data providing and processing. It links the grid to individual data providers and data centers. The third component, the broker, collects information about providers and allows consumers to perform the searches on the grid. Each component can exist in multiple instances. This follows a basic grid concept: The failure or unavailability of a single component will not generate a failure of the whole system, as other systems will take over the processing of requests. The architecture relies on a global data model for the semantics. The data model is in some way the brains of the grid. It provides a description of the information entities available within the grid, as well as a description of their relationships. EGSO is now in the development phase. A demonstration (www.egso.org/demo) is provided to get an idea about how the system will function once the project is completed. The demonstration focuses on retrieving data needed to determine the energy released in the solar atmosphere during the impulsive phase of flares. It allows finding simultaneous observations in the visible, UV, Soft X-rays, hard X-rays, gamma-rays, and radio. The types of observations that can be specified are images at high space and time resolutions as well as integrated emission and spectra from a yet limited set of instruments, including the NASA spacecraft TRACE, SOHO, RHESSI, and the ground-based observatories Phoenix-2 in Switzerland and Meudon Observatory in France
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Measurement and Characterization of Concentrator Solar Cells II
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Scheiman, Dave; Sater, Bernard L.; Chubb, Donald; Jenkins, Phillip; Snyder, Dave
2005-01-01
Concentrator solar cells are continuing to get more consideration for use in power systems. This interest is because concentrator systems can have a net lower cost per watt in solar cell materials plus ongoing improvements in sun-tracking technology. Quantitatively measuring the efficiency of solar cells under concentration is difficult. Traditionally, the light concentration on solar cells has been determined by using a ratio of the measured solar cell s short circuit current to that at one sun, this assumes that current changes proportionally with light intensity. This works well with low to moderate (<20 suns) concentration levels on "well-behaved" linear cells but does not apply when cells respond superlinearly, current increases faster than intensity, or sublinearly, current increases more slowly than intensity. This paper continues work on using view factors to determine the concentration level and linearity of the solar cell with mathematical view factor analysis and experimental results [1].
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Laser doping of boron-doped Si paste for high-efficiency silicon solar cells
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Tomizawa, Yuka; Imamura, Tetsuya; Soeda, Masaya; Ikeda, Yoshinori; Shiro, Takashi
2015-08-01
Boron laser doping (LD) is a promising technology for high-efficiency solar cells such as p-type passivated locally diffused solar cells and n-type Si-wafer-based solar cells. We produced a printable phosphorus- or boron-doped Si paste (NanoGram® Si paste/ink) for use as a diffuser in the LD process. We used the boron LD process to fabricate high-efficiency passivated emitter and rear locally diffused (PERL) solar cells. PERL solar cells on Czochralski Si (Cz-Si) wafers yielded a maximum efficiency of 19.7%, whereas the efficiency of a reference cell was 18.5%. Fill factors above 79% and open circuit voltages above 655 mV were measured. We found that the boron-doped area effectively performs as a local boron back surface field (BSF). The characteristics of the solar cell formed using NanoGram® Si paste/ink were better than those of the reference cell.
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Common Market measures to promote the use of solar energy - The demonstration project
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Kaut, W.
A series of solar technical projects being conducted under the auspices of the Common Market is discussed. The history and legal foundations of this demonstration project, previous proposal requests and their results, and the experiences to date and present status of the project are assessed. Twenty-six projects proposals are being funded; the only German one concerns solar heating of swimming pools. The economic and administrative aspects of these projects are detailed. Problems of the project are discussed, including the allocation of funds between older and newer aspects and financial constraints.
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DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Blair, N.; Dobos, S.; Janzou, S.
2013-08-01
The System Advisor Model (SAM) is a broad and robust set of models and frameworks for analyzing both system performance and system financing. It does this across a range of technologies dominated by solar technologies including photovoltaics (PV) and concentrated solar power (CSP). The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Energy Technology Program requested the SAM development team to review the photovoltaic performance modeling with the development community and specifically, with the independent engineering community. The report summarizes the major effort for this technical review committee (TRC).
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Mamun, Abdullah Al; Ava, Tanzila Tasnim; Byun, Hye Ryung; Jeong, Hyeon Jun; Jeong, Mun Seok; Nguyen, Loi; Gausin, Christine; Namkoong, Gon
2017-07-26
While organo-inorganic halide perovskite solar cells show great potential to meet future energy needs, their thermal instability raises serious questions about their commercialization viability. At present, the stability of perovskite solar cells has been studied under various environmental conditions including humidity and temperature. Nonetheless, understanding of the performance of CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3-x Cl x perovskite solar cells is limited. This study reports the irreversible performance degradation of CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3-x Cl x perovskite solar cells during the heating and cooling processes under AM 1.5 and unveils what triggers the irreversible performance degradation of solar cells. Particularly, the primary cause of the irreversible performance degradation of CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3-x Cl x is quantitatively analyzed by monitoring in real time the development of deteriorated crystallinity, charge trapping/detrapping, trap depth, and the PbI 2 phase, namely a critical signal of perovskite degradation while varying the temperature of the perovskite films and solar cells. Most surprisingly, it is revealed that the degradation of both perovskite films and solar cells was triggered at ∼70 °C. Remarkably, even after the device temperature cooled down to room temperature, the degraded performance of the solar cells persisted with increasing charge trapping and further development of the PbI 2 phase. Identification of the irreversible performance degradation of perovskite solar cells provides guidance for future development of more stable perovskite solar cells.
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Graphene-Enhanced Thermal Interface Materials for Thermal Management of Solar Cells
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Saadah, Mohammed Ahmed
The interest to photovoltaic solar cells as a source of energy for a variety of applications has been rapidly increasing in recent years. Solar cells panels that employ optical concentrators can convert more than 30% of absorbed light into electricity. Most of the remaining 70% of absorbed energy is turned into heat inside the solar cell. The increase in the photovoltaic cell temperature negatively affects its power conversion efficiency and lifetime. In this dissertation research I investigated a feasibility of using graphene fillers in thermal interface materials for improving thermal management of multi-junction concentrator solar cells. Graphene and few-layer graphene fillers, produced by a scalable environmentally-friendly liquid-phase exfoliation technique, were incorporated into conventional thermal interface materials. Characteristics of the composites have been examined with Raman spectroscopy, optical microscopy and thermal conductivity measurements. Graphene-enhanced thermal interface materials have been applied between a solar cell and heat sink to improve heat dissipation. The performance of the single and multi-junction solar cells has been tested using an industry-standard solar simulator under the light concentration of up to 2000 suns. It was found that the application of graphene-enhanced thermal interface materials allows one to reduce the solar cell temperature and increase the open-circuit voltage. We demonstrated that the use of graphene helps in recovering significant amount of the power loss due to solar cell overheating. The obtained results are important for the development of new technologies for thermal management of concentrated and multi-junction photovoltaic solar cells.
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Design of Light Trapping Solar Cell System by Using Zemax Program
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Hasan, A. B.; Husain, S. A.
2018-05-01
Square micro lenses array have been designed (by using Zemax optical design program) to concentrate solar radiation into variable slits that reaching light to solar cell. This technique to increase the efficiency of solar system by trapping light due to internal reflection of light by mirrors that placed between upper and lower side of solar cell, therefore increasing optical path through the solar cell, and then increasing chance of photon absorption. The results show priority of solar system that have slit of (0.2 mm), and acceptance angle of (20°) that give acceptable efficiency of solar system.
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Silicon materials task of the low cost solar array project, part 2
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Hopkins, R. H.; Davis, J. R.; Rai-Choudhury, P.; Blais, P. D.; Mccormick, J. R.
1976-01-01
Purity requirements for solar cell grade silicon material was developed and defined by evaluating the effects of specific impurities and impurity levels on the performance of silicon solar cells. Also, data was generated forming the basis for cost-tradeoff analyses of silicon solar cell material. Growth, evaluation, solar cell fabrication and testing was completed for the baseline boron-doped Czochralski material. Measurements indicate Cn and Mn seriously degrade cell performance, while neither Ni nor Cu produce any serious reduction in cell efficiency.
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DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Jabbar, Muhandis Abdul, E-mail: muhandis.abdul@sci.ui.ac.id; Prawito
A solar cell is one of many alternative energy which is still being developed and it works by converting sunlight into electricity. In order to use a solar cell, a deep knowledge about the solar cell’s characteristics is needed. The current and voltage (I-V) produced when the light hits the solar cell surface with a certain value of intensity and at a certain value of temperature becomes the basic study to determine solar cell characteristics. In the past decade, there were so many developments of devices to characterize solar cells and solar panels. One of them used a MOSFET devicemore » for varying electronic load to observe solar cell current and voltage responses. However, many devices which have been developed even device on the market using many expensive tools and quite complex. Therefore in this research, a simple low cost electronic controlled device for solar cell characterization is built based on MOSFET method and a microcontroller but still has high reliability and accuracy.« less
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Methods for fabricating thin film III-V compound solar cell
Pan, Noren; Hillier, Glen; Vu, Duy Phach; Tatavarti, Rao; Youtsey, Christopher; McCallum, David; Martin, Genevieve
2011-08-09
The present invention utilizes epitaxial lift-off in which a sacrificial layer is included in the epitaxial growth between the substrate and a thin film III-V compound solar cell. To provide support for the thin film III-V compound solar cell in absence of the substrate, a backing layer is applied to a surface of the thin film III-V compound solar cell before it is separated from the substrate. To separate the thin film III-V compound solar cell from the substrate, the sacrificial layer is removed as part of the epitaxial lift-off. Once the substrate is separated from the thin film III-V compound solar cell, the substrate may then be reused in the formation of another thin film III-V compound solar cell.
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Front contact solar cell with formed electrically conducting layers on the front side and backside
Cousins, Peter John
2012-06-26
A bipolar solar cell includes a backside junction formed by a silicon substrate and a first doped layer of a first dopant type on the backside of the solar cell. A second doped layer of a second dopant type makes an electrical connection to the substrate from the front side of the solar cell. A first metal contact of a first electrical polarity electrically connects to the first doped layer on the backside of the solar cell, and a second metal contact of a second electrical polarity electrically connects to the second doped layer on the front side of the solar cell. An external electrical circuit may be electrically connected to the first and second metal contacts to be powered by the solar cell.
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Enhanced light absorption in an ultrathin silicon solar cell utilizing plasmonic nanostructures
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Xiao, Sanshui; Mortensen, Niels A.
2012-10-01
Nowadays, bringing photovoltaics to the market is mainly limited by high cost of electricity produced by the photovoltaic solar cell. Thin-film photovoltaics offers the potential for a significant cost reduction compared to traditional photovoltaics. However, the performance of thin-film solar cells is generally limited by poor light absorption. We propose an ultrathin-film silicon solar cell configuration based on SOI structure, where the light absorption is enhanced by use of plasmonic nanostructures. By placing a one-dimensional plasmonic nanograting on the bottom of the solar cell, the generated photocurrent for a 200 nm-thickness crystalline silicon solar cell can be enhanced by 90% in the considered wavelength range. These results are paving a promising way for the realization of high-efficiency thin-film solar cells.
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NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Dinetta, L. C.; Hannon, M. H.; Cummings, J. R.; Mcneeley, J. B.; Barnett, Allen M.
1990-01-01
Free-standing, transparent, tunable bandgap AlxGa1-xAs top solar cells have been fabricated for mechanical attachment in a four terminal tandem stack solar cell. Evaluation of the device results has demonstrated 1.80 eV top solar cells with efficiencies of 18 percent (100 X, and AM0) which would yield stack efficiencies of 31 percent (100 X, AM0) with a silicon bottom cell. When fully developed, the AlxGa1-xAs/Si mechanically-stacked two-junction solar cell concentrator system can provide efficiencies of 36 percent (AM0, 100 X). AlxGa1-xAs top solar cells with bandgaps from 1.66 eV to 2.08 eV have been fabricated. Liquid phase epitaxy (LPE) growth techniques have been used and LPE has been found to yield superior AlxGa1-xAs material when compared to molecular beam epitaxy and metal-organic chemical vapor deposition. It is projected that stack assembly technology will be readily applicable to any mechanically stacked multijunction (MSMJ) system. Development of a wide bandgap top solar cell is the only feasible method for obtaining stack efficiencies greater than 40 percent at AM0. System efficiencies of greater than 40 percent can be realized when the AlGaAs top solar cell is used in a three solar cell mechanical stack.
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Combined Silicon and Gallium Arsenide Solar Cell UV Testing
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Willowby, Douglas
2005-01-01
The near and long-term effect of UV on silicon solar cells is relatively understood. In an effort to learn more about the effects of UV radiation on the performance of GaAs/Ge solar cells, silicon and gallium arsenide on germanium (GaAs/Ge) solar cells were placed in a vacuum chamber and irradiated with ultraviolet light by a Spectrolab XT 10 solar simulator. Seventeen GaAs/Ge and 8 silicon solar cells were mounted on an 8 inch copper block. By having all the cells on the same test plate we were able to do direct comparison of silicon and GaAs/Ge solar cell degradation. The test article was attached to a cold plate in the vacuum chamber to maintain the cells at 25 degrees Celsius. A silicon solar cell standard was used to measure beam uniformity and any degradation of the ST-10 beam. The solar cell coverings tested included cells with AR-0213 coverglass, fused silica coverglass, BRR-0213 coverglass and cells without coverglass. Of interest in the test is the BRR-0213 coverglass material manufactured by OCLI. It has an added Infrared rejection coating to help reduce the solar cell operating temperature. This coverglass is relatively new and of interest to several current and future programs at Marshall. Due to moves of the laboratory equipment and location only 350 hours of UV degradation have been completed. During this testing a significant leveling off in the rate of degradation was reached. Data from the test and comparisons of the UV effect of the bare cells and cells with coverglass material will be presented.
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(abstract) Scaling Nominal Solar Cell Impedances for Array Design
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Mueller, Robert L; Wallace, Matthew T.; Iles, Peter
1994-01-01
This paper discusses a task the objective of which is to characterize solar cell array AC impedance and develop scaling rules for impedance characterization of large arrays by testing single solar cells and small arrays. This effort is aimed at formulating a methodology for estimating the AC impedance of the Mars Pathfinder (MPF) cruise and lander solar arrays based upon testing single cells and small solar cell arrays and to create a basis for design of a single shunt limiter for MPF power control of flight solar arrays having very different inpedances.
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Atomically Thin-Layered Molybdenum Disulfide (MoS2) for Bulk-Heterojunction Solar Cells.
Singh, Eric; Kim, Ki Seok; Yeom, Geun Young; Nalwa, Hari Singh
2017-02-01
Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are becoming significant because of their interesting semiconducting and photonic properties. In particular, TMDs such as molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ), molybdenum diselenide (MoSe 2 ), tungsten disulfide (WS 2 ), tungsten diselenide (WSe 2 ), titanium disulfide (TiS 2 ), tantalum sulfide (TaS 2 ), and niobium selenide (NbSe 2 ) are increasingly attracting attention for their applications in solar cell devices. In this review, we give a brief introduction to TMDs with a focus on MoS 2 ; and thereafter, emphasize the role of atomically thin MoS 2 layers in fabricating solar cell devices, including bulk-heterojunction, organic, and perovskites-based solar cells. Layered MoS 2 has been used as the hole-transport layer (HTL), electron-transport layer (ETL), interfacial layer, and protective layer in fabricating heterojunction solar cells. The trilayer graphene/MoS 2 /n-Si solar cell devices exhibit a power-conversion efficiency of 11.1%. The effects of plasma and chemical doping on the photovoltaic performance of MoS 2 solar cells have been analyzed. After doping and electrical gating, a power-conversion efficiency (PCE) of 9.03% has been observed for the MoS 2 /h-BN/GaAs heterostructure solar cells. The MoS 2 -containing perovskites-based solar cells show a PCE as high as 13.3%. The PCE of MoS 2 -based organic solar cells exceeds 8.40%. The stability of MoS 2 solar cells measured under ambient conditions and light illumination has been discussed. The MoS 2 -based materials show a great potential for solar cell devices along with high PCE; however, in this connection, their long-term environmental stability is also of equal importance for commercial applications.
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NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Jenkins, Phillip; Scheiman, Chris; Goodbody, Chris; Baur, Carsten; Sharps, Paul; Imaizumi, Mitsuru; Yoo, Henry; Sahlstrom, Ted; Walters, Robert; Lorentzen, Justin;
2006-01-01
This paper reports the results of an international measurement round robin of monolithic, triple-junction, GaInP/GaAs/Ge space solar cells. Eight laboratories representing national labs, solar cell vendors and space solar cell consumers, measured cells using in-house reference cells and compared those results to measurements made where each lab used the same set of reference cells. The results show that most of the discrepancy between laboratories is likely due to the quality of the standard cells rather than the measurement system or solar simulator used.
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Variation of solar cell sensitivity and solar radiation on tilted surfaces
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Klucher, T. M.
1978-01-01
The validity is studied that one of various insolation models used to compute solar radiation incident on tilted surfaces from global data measured on horizontal surfaces. The variation of solar cell sensitivity to solar radiation is determined over a wide range of atmospheric condition. A new model was formulated that reduced the deviations between measured and predicted insolation to less than 3 percent. Evaluation of solar cell sensitivity data indicates small change (2-3 percent) in sensitivity from winter to summer for tilted cells. The feasibility of using such global data as a means for calibrating terrestrial solar cells is discussed.
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Sherohman, John W; Yee, Jick Hong; Combs, III, Arthur W
2014-11-11
Electronic device quality Aluminum Antimonide (AlSb)-based single crystals produced by controlled atmospheric annealing are utilized in various configurations for solar cell applications. Like that of a GaAs-based solar cell devices, the AlSb-based solar cell devices as disclosed herein provides direct conversion of solar energy to electrical power.
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Zhang, Shun; Chen, Chen; Zhou, Yangen; Qian, Yumin; Ye, Jing; Xiong, Shiyun; Zhao, Yu; Zhang, Xiaohong
2018-06-27
The rapid deployment of renewable energy is resulting in significant energy security, climate change mitigation, and economic benefits. We demonstrate here the direct solar-energy harvesting and storage in a rechargeable solar-powered redox cell, which can be charged solely by solar irradiation. The cell follows a conventional redox-flow cell design with one integrated TiO 2 photoanode in the cathode side. Direct charging of the cell by solar irradiation results in the conversion of solar energy in to chemical energy. Whereas discharging the cell leads to the release of chemical energy in the form of electricity. The cell integrates energy conversion and storage processes in a single device, making the solar energy directly and efficiently dispatchable. When using redox couples of Br 2 /Br - and I 3 - /I - in the cathode side and anode side, respectively, the cell can be directly charged upon solar irradiation, yielding a discharge potential of 0.5 V with good round-trip efficiencies. This design is expected to be a potential alternative toward the development of affordable, inexhaustible, and clean solar-energy technologies.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Wei, Xiangyang; Peng, Yanke; Jing, Gaoshan; Cui, Tianhong
2018-05-01
The thickness of perovskite absorber layer is a critical parameter to determine a planar structured perovskite solar cell’s performance. By modifying the spin coating speed and PbI2/N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) solution concentration, the thickness of perovskite absorber layer was optimized to obtain high-performance solar cells. Using a PbI2/DMF solution of 1.3 mol/L, maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) of a perovskite solar cell is 15.5% with a perovskite film of 413 nm at 5000 rpm, and PCE of 14.3% was also obtained for a solar cell with a perovskite film of 182 nm thick. It is derived that higher concentration of PbI2/DMF will result in better perovskite solar cells. Additionally, these perovskite solar cells are highly uniform. In 14 sets of solar cells, standard deviations of 11 sets of solar cells were less than 0.50% and the smallest standard deviation was 0.25%, which demonstrates the reliability and effectiveness of hybrid physical chemical vapor deposition (HPCVD) method.
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75 FR 11104 - Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2010-03-10
... energy produced (wind, solar, and manure/methane digester), installation cost, year installed, if any energy was sold onto a power grid, and the average payment received per kilowatt hour or total amount of...
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Real-space observation of unbalanced charge distribution inside a perovskite-sensitized solar cell.
Bergmann, Victor W; Weber, Stefan A L; Javier Ramos, F; Nazeeruddin, Mohammad Khaja; Grätzel, Michael; Li, Dan; Domanski, Anna L; Lieberwirth, Ingo; Ahmad, Shahzada; Berger, Rüdiger
2014-09-22
Perovskite-sensitized solar cells have reached power conversion efficiencies comparable to commercially available solar cells used for example in solar farms. In contrast to silicon solar cells, perovskite-sensitized solar cells can be made by solution processes from inexpensive materials. The power conversion efficiency of these cells depends substantially on the charge transfer at interfaces. Here we use Kelvin probe force microscopy to study the real-space cross-sectional distribution of the internal potential within high efficiency mesoscopic methylammonium lead tri-iodide solar cells. We show that the electric field is homogeneous through these devices, similar to that of a p-i-n type junction. On illumination under short-circuit conditions, holes accumulate in front of the hole-transport layer as a consequence of unbalanced charge transport in the device. After light illumination, we find that trapped charges remain inside the active device layers. Removing these traps and the unbalanced charge injection could enable further improvements in performance of perovskite-sensitized solar cells.
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Quantum Dots for Solar Cell Application
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Poudyal, Uma
Solar energy has been anticipated as the most important and reliable source of renewable energy to address the ever-increasing energy demand. To harvest solar energy efficiently, diverse kinds of solar cells have been studied. Among these, quantum dot sensitized solar cells have been an interesting group of solar cells mainly due to tunable, size-dependent electronic and optical properties of quantum dots. Moreover, doping these quantum dots with transition metal elements such as Mn opens avenue for improved performance of solar cells as well as for spin based technologies. In this dissertation, Mn-doped CdSe QDs (Mn-CdSe) have been synthesized by Successive Ionic Layer Adsorption and Reaction (SILAR) method. They are used in solar cells to study the effect of Mn doping in the performance of solar cells. Incident photon to current-conversion efficiency (IPCE) is used to record the effect of Mn-doping. Intensity modulated photovoltage and photocurrent spectroscopy (IMVS/PS) has been used to study the carrier dynamics in these solar cells. Additionally, the magnetic properties of Mn-CdSe QDs is studied and its possible origin is discussed. Moreover, CdS/CdSe QDs have been used to study the effect of liquid, gel and solid electrolyte in the performance and stability of the solar cells. Using IPCE spectra, the time decay measurements are presented and the possible reactions between the QD and the electrolytes are explained.
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Recent advancements in plasmon-enhanced promising third-generation solar cells
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Thrithamarassery Gangadharan, Deepak; Xu, Zhenhe; Liu, Yanlong; Izquierdo, Ricardo; Ma, Dongling
2017-01-01
The unique optical properties possessed by plasmonic noble metal nanostructures in consequence of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) are useful in diverse applications like photovoltaics, sensing, non-linear optics, hydrogen generation, and photocatalytic pollutant degradation. The incorporation of plasmonic metal nanostructures into solar cells provides enhancement in light absorption and scattering cross-section (via LSPR), tunability of light absorption profile especially in the visible region of the solar spectrum, and more efficient charge carrier separation, hence maximizing the photovoltaic efficiency. This review discusses about the recent development of different plasmonic metal nanostructures, mainly based on Au or Ag, and their applications in promising third-generation solar cells such as dye-sensitized solar cells, quantum dot-based solar cells, and perovskite solar cells.
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Front contact solar cell with formed emitter
Cousins, Peter John
2014-11-04
A bipolar solar cell includes a backside junction formed by an N-type silicon substrate and a P-type polysilicon emitter formed on the backside of the solar cell. An antireflection layer may be formed on a textured front surface of the silicon substrate. A negative polarity metal contact on the front side of the solar cell makes an electrical connection to the substrate, while a positive polarity metal contact on the backside of the solar cell makes an electrical connection to the polysilicon emitter. An external electrical circuit may be connected to the negative and positive metal contacts to be powered by the solar cell. The positive polarity metal contact may form an infrared reflecting layer with an underlying dielectric layer for increased solar radiation collection.
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Front contact solar cell with formed emitter
Cousins, Peter John [Menlo Park, CA
2012-07-17
A bipolar solar cell includes a backside junction formed by an N-type silicon substrate and a P-type polysilicon emitter formed on the backside of the solar cell. An antireflection layer may be formed on a textured front surface of the silicon substrate. A negative polarity metal contact on the front side of the solar cell makes an electrical connection to the substrate, while a positive polarity metal contact on the backside of the solar cell makes an electrical connection to the polysilicon emitter. An external electrical circuit may be connected to the negative and positive metal contacts to be powered by the solar cell. The positive polarity metal contact may form an infrared reflecting layer with an underlying dielectric layer for increased solar radiation collection.
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Project STOP (Spectral Thermal Optimization Program)
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Goldhammer, L. J.; Opjorden, R. W.; Goodelle, G. S.; Powe, J. S.
1977-01-01
The spectral thermal optimization of solar cell configurations for various solar panel applications is considered. The method of optimization depends upon varying the solar cell configuration's optical characteristics to minimize panel temperatures, maximize power output and decrease the power delta from beginning of life to end of life. Four areas of primary investigation are: (1) testing and evaluation of ultraviolet resistant coverslide adhesives, primarily FEP as an adhesive; (2) examination of solar cell absolute spectral response and corresponding cell manufacturing processes that affect it; (3) experimental work with solar cell manufacturing processes that vary cell reflectance (solar absorptance); and (4) experimental and theoretical studies with various coverslide filter designs, mainly a red rejection filter. The Hughes' solar array prediction program has been modified to aid in evaluating the effect of each of the above four areas on the output of a solar panel in orbit.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Various papers on photovoltaics are presented. The general topics considered include: amorphous materials and cells; amorphous silicon-based solar cells and modules; amorphous silicon-based materials and processes; amorphous materials characterization; amorphous silicon; high-efficiency single crystal solar cells; multijunction and heterojunction cells; high-efficiency III-V cells; modeling and characterization of high-efficiency cells; LIPS flight experience; space mission requirements and technology; advanced space solar cell technology; space environmental effects and modeling; space solar cell and array technology; terrestrial systems and array technology; terrestrial utility and stand-alone applications and testing; terrestrial concentrator and storage technology; terrestrial stand-alone systems applications; terrestrial systems test and evaluation; terrestrial flatplate and concentrator technology; use of polycrystalline materials; polycrystalline II-VI compound solar cells; analysis of and fabrication procedures for compound solar cells.
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None
2017-12-09
Solar cells, also called photovoltaics (PV) by solar cell scientists, convert sunlight directly into electricity. Solar cells are often used to power calculators and watches. The performance of a solar cell is measured in terms of its efficiency at turning sunlight into electricity. Only sunlight of certain energies will work efficiently to create electricity, and much of it is reflected or absorbed by the material that make up the cell. Because of this, a typical commercial solar cell has an efficiency of 15%âabout one-sixth of the sunlight striking the cell generates electricity. Low efficiencies mean that larger arrays are needed, and that means higher cost. Improving solar cell efficiencies while holding down the cost per cell is an important goal of the PV industry, researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and other U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) laboratories, and they have made significant progress. The first solar cells, built in the 1950s, had efficiencies of less than 4%.
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Production technology for high efficiency ion implanted solar cells
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Kirkpatrick, A. R.; Minnucci, J. A.; Greenwald, A. C.; Josephs, R. H.
1978-01-01
Ion implantation is being developed for high volume automated production of silicon solar cells. An implanter designed for solar cell processing and able to properly implant up to 300 4-inch wafers per hour is now operational. A machine to implant 180 sq m/hr of solar cell material has been designed. Implanted silicon solar cells with efficiencies exceeding 16% AM1 are now being produced and higher efficiencies are expected. Ion implantation and transient processing by pulsed electron beams are being integrated with electrostatic bonding to accomplish a simple method for large scale, low cost production of high efficiency solar cell arrays.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Aihara, Taketo; Tayagaki, Takeshi; Nagato, Yuki; Okano, Yoshinobu; Sugaya, Takeyoshi
2018-04-01
To analyze the open-circuit voltage (V oc) in intermediate-band solar cells, we investigated the current-voltage characteristics in wide-bandgap InGaP-based InP quantum dot (QD) solar cells. From the temperature dependence of the current-voltage curves, we show that the V oc in InP QD solar cells increases with decreasing temperature. We use a simple diode model to extract V oc at the zero-temperature limit, V 0, and the temperature coefficient C of the solar cells. Our results show that, while the C of InP QD solar cells is slightly larger than that of the reference InGaP solar cells, V 0 significantly decreases and coincides with the bandgap energy of the InP QDs rather than that of the InGaP host. This V 0 indicates that the V oc reduction in the InP QD solar cells is primarily caused by the breaking of the Fermi energy separation between the QDs and the host semiconductor in intermediate-band solar cells, rather than by enhanced carrier recombination.
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Integrated Antenna/Solar Array Cell (IA/SAC) System for Flexible Access Communications
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Lee, Ricard Q.; Clark, Eric B.; Pal, Anna Maria T.; Wilt, David M.; Mueller, Carl H.
2004-01-01
Present satellite communications systems normally use separate solar cells and antennas. Since solar cells generally account for the largest surface area of the spacecraft, co-locating the antenna and solar cells on the same substrate opens the possibility for a number of data-rate-enhancing communications link architecture that would have minimal impact on spacecraft weight and size. The idea of integrating printed planar antenna and solar array cells on the same surface has been reported in the literature. The early work merely attempted to demonstrate the feasibility by placing commercial solar cells besides a patch antenna. Recently, Integrating multiple antenna elements and solar cell arrays on the same surface was reported for both space and terrestrial applications. The application of photovoltaic solar cell in a planar antenna structure where the radiating patch antenna is replaced by a Si solar cell has been demonstrated in wireless communication systems (C. Bendel, J. Kirchhof and N. Henze, 3rd Would Photovotaic Congress, Osaka, Japan, May 2003). Based on a hybrid approach, a 6x1 slot array with circularly polarized crossdipole elements co-located on the same surface of the solar cells array has been demonstrated (S. Vaccaro, J. R. Mosig and P. de Maagt, IEEE Trans. Ant. and Propag., Vol. 5 1, No. 8, Aug. 2003). Amorphous silicon solar cells with about 5-10% efficiency were used in these demonstrations. This paper describes recent effort to integrate advanced solar cells with printed planar antennas. Compared to prior art, the proposed WSAC concept is unique in the following ways: 1) Active antenna element will be used to achieve dynamic beam steering; 2) High efficiency (30%) GaAs multi-junction solar cells will be used instead of Si, which has an efficiency of about 15%; 3) Antenna and solar cells are integrated on a common GaAs substrate; and 4) Higher data rate capability. The IA/SAC is designed to operate at X-band (8-12 GH) and higher frequencies Higher operating frequencies enable greater bandwidth and thus higher data transfer rates. The first phase of the effort involves the development of GaAs solar cell MIMs (Monolithically Integrated Module) with a single patch antenna on the opposite side of the substrate. Subsequent work will involve the integration of MIMs and antennas on the same side of the substrate. Results from the phase one efforts will be presented.
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Photo-degradation of high efficiency fullerene-free polymer solar cells.
Upama, Mushfika Baishakhi; Wright, Matthew; Mahmud, Md Arafat; Elumalai, Naveen Kumar; Mahboubi Soufiani, Arman; Wang, Dian; Xu, Cheng; Uddin, Ashraf
2017-12-07
Polymer solar cells are a promising technology for the commercialization of low cost, large scale organic solar cells. With the evolution of high efficiency (>13%) non-fullerene polymer solar cells, the stability of the cells has become a crucial parameter to be considered. Among the several degradation mechanisms of polymer solar cells, burn-in photo-degradation is relatively less studied. Herein, we present the first systematic study of photo-degradation of novel PBDB-T:ITIC fullerene-free polymer solar cells. The thermally treated and as-prepared PBDB-T:ITIC solar cells were exposed to continuous 1 sun illumination for 5 hours. The aged devices exhibited rapid losses in the short-circuit current density and fill factor. The severe short-circuit current and fill factor burn in losses were attributed to trap mediated charge recombination, as evidenced by an increase in Urbach energy for aged devices.
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Entirely screen printed CdS/CdTe solar cell
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Ikegami, S.; Matsumoto, H.; Uda, H.; Komatsu, Y.; Nakano, A.; Kuribayashi, K.
An entirely screen printed CdS/CdTe solar cell has been manufactured on a borosilicate glass substrate by successively repeating screen printing and heating in a belt furnace of each paste of CdS, Cd+Te, C, Ag+In and Ag. In a small cell with 0.78 sq cm area, the intrinsic conversion efficiency of 12.8 percent has been obtained; this value is the highest in the thin film type solar cells. On a large glass substrate of 30 x 30 sq cm, 28 unit solar cells connected in series have been constructed by this printing technique, their intrinsic efficiency being 8.5 percent. Under the roof top condition, no change in output power is observed in the present solar cells encapsulated over 206 days. Thus, the entirely screen printed CdS/CdTe solar cells can be expected as low cost, highly efficient, and stable solar cells.
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NREL Solar Cell Wins Federal Technology Transfer Prize | News | NREL
Solar Cell Wins Federal Technology Transfer Prize News Release: NREL Solar Cell Wins Federal ) Solar Cell was named a winner of the 2009 Award for Excellence in Technology Transfer by the Federal Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer. The original IMM cell was invented by Mark Wanlass of NREL's
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NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Xu, Jianzeng; Woodyward, James R.
2005-01-01
The operation of multi-junction solar cells used for production of space power is critically dependent on the spectral irradiance of the illuminating light source. Unlike single-junction cells where the spectral irradiance of the simulator and computational techniques may be used to optimized cell designs, optimization of multi-junction solar cell designs requires a solar simulator with a spectral irradiance that closely matches AM0.
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High throughput parallel backside contacting and periodic texturing for high-efficiency solar cells
Daniel, Claus; Blue, Craig A.; Ott, Ronald D.
2014-08-19
Disclosed are configurations of long-range ordered features of solar cell materials, and methods for forming same. Some features include electrical access openings through a backing layer to a photovoltaic material in the solar cell. Some features include textured features disposed adjacent a surface of a solar cell material. Typically the long-range ordered features are formed by ablating the solar cell material with a laser interference pattern from at least two laser beams.
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Investigation of back surface fields effect on bifacial solar cells
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Sepeai, Suhaila; Sulaiman, M. Y.; Sopian, Kamaruzzaman; Zaidi, Saleem H.
2012-11-01
A bifacial solar cell, in contrast with a conventional monofacial solar cell, produces photo-generated current from both front and back sides. Bifacial solar cell is an attractive candidate for enhancing photovoltaic (PV) market competitiveness as well as supporting the current efforts to increase efficiency and lower material costs. This paper reports on the fabrication of bifacial solar cells using phosphorus-oxytrichloride (POCl3) emitter formation on p-type, nanotextured silicon (Si) wafer. Backside surface field was formed through Al-diffusion using conventional screen-printing process. Bifacial solar cells with a structure of n+pp+ with and without back surface field (BSF) were fabricated in which silicon nitride (SiN) anti reflection and passivation films were coated on both sides, followed by screen printing of Argentum (Ag) and Argentum/Aluminum (Ag/Al) on front and back contacts, respectively. Bifacial solar cells without BSF exhibited open circuit voltage (VOC) of 535 mV for front and 480 mV for back surface. With Al-alloyed BSF bifacial solar cells, the VOC improved to 580 mV for the front surface and 560 mV for the back surface. Simulation of bifacial solar cells using PC1D and AFORS software demonstrated good agreement with experimental results. Simulations showed that best bifacial solar cells are achieved through a combination of high lifetime wafer, low recombination back surface field, reduced contact resistance, and superior surface passivation.
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Direct glass bonded high specific power silicon solar cells for space applications
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Dinetta, L. C.; Rand, J. A.; Cummings, J. R.; Lampo, S. M.; Shreve, K. P.; Barnett, Allen M.
1991-01-01
A lightweight, radiation hard, high performance, ultra-thin silicon solar cell is described that incorporates light trapping and a cover glass as an integral part of the device. The manufacturing feasibility of high specific power, radiation insensitive, thin silicon solar cells was demonstrated experimentally and with a model. Ultra-thin, light trapping structures were fabricated and the light trapping demonstrated experimentally. The design uses a micro-machined, grooved back surface to increase the optical path length by a factor of 20. This silicon solar cell will be highly tolerant to radiation because the base width is less than 25 microns making it insensitive to reduction in minority carrier lifetime. Since the silicon is bonded without silicone adhesives, this solar cell will also be insensitive to UV degradation. These solar cells are designed as a form, fit, and function replacement for existing state of the art silicon solar cells with the effect of simultaneously increasing specific power, power/area, and power supply life. Using a 3-mil thick cover glass and a 0.3 g/sq cm supporting Al honeycomb, a specific power for the solar cell plus cover glass and honeycomb of 80.2 W/Kg is projected. The development of this technology can result in a revolutionary improvement in high survivability silicon solar cell products for space with the potential to displace all existing solar cell technologies for single junction space applications.
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Development of standardized specifications for silicon solar cells
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Scott-Monck, J. A.
1977-01-01
A space silicon solar cell assembly (cell and coverglass) specification aimed at standardizing the diverse requirements of current cell or assembly specifications was developed. This specification was designed to minimize both the procurement and manufacturing costs for space qualified silicon solar cell assembilies. In addition, an impact analysis estimating the technological and economic effects of employing a standardized space silicon solar cell assembly was performed.
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Radiation tolerance of low resistivity, high voltage silicon solar cells
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Weizer, V. G.; Weinberg, I.; Swartz, C. K.
1984-01-01
The radiation tolerance of the following three low resistivity, high voltage silicon solar cells was investigated: (1) the COMSAT MSD (multi-step diffused) cell, (2) the MinMIS cell, and (3) the MIND cell. A description of these solar cells is given along with drawings of their configurations. The diffusion length damage coefficients for the cells were calculated and presented. Solar cell spectral response was also discussed. Cells of the MinMIS type were judged to be unsuitable for use in the space radiation environment.
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Zhong, Sihua; Wang, Wenjie; Tan, Miao; Zhuang, Yufeng
2017-01-01
Abstract Large‐scale (156 mm × 156 mm) quasi‐omnidirectional solar cells are successfully realized and featured by keeping high cell performance over broad incident angles (θ), via employing Si nanopyramids (SiNPs) as surface texture. SiNPs are produced by the proposed metal‐assisted alkaline etching method, which is an all‐solution‐processed method and highly simple together with cost‐effective. Interestingly, compared to the conventional Si micropyramids (SiMPs)‐textured solar cells, the SiNPs‐textured solar cells possess lower carrier recombination and thus superior electrical performances, showing notable distinctions from other Si nanostructures‐textured solar cells. Furthermore, SiNPs‐textured solar cells have very little drop of quantum efficiency with increasing θ, demonstrating the quasi‐omnidirectional characteristic. As an overall result, both the SiNPs‐textured homojunction and heterojunction solar cells possess higher daily electric energy production with a maximum relative enhancement approaching 2.5%, when compared to their SiMPs‐textured counterparts. The quasi‐omnidirectional solar cell opens a new opportunity for photovoltaics to produce more electric energy with a low cost. PMID:29201616
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Zhong, Sihua; Wang, Wenjie; Tan, Miao; Zhuang, Yufeng; Shen, Wenzhong
2017-11-01
Large-scale (156 mm × 156 mm) quasi-omnidirectional solar cells are successfully realized and featured by keeping high cell performance over broad incident angles (θ), via employing Si nanopyramids (SiNPs) as surface texture. SiNPs are produced by the proposed metal-assisted alkaline etching method, which is an all-solution-processed method and highly simple together with cost-effective. Interestingly, compared to the conventional Si micropyramids (SiMPs)-textured solar cells, the SiNPs-textured solar cells possess lower carrier recombination and thus superior electrical performances, showing notable distinctions from other Si nanostructures-textured solar cells. Furthermore, SiNPs-textured solar cells have very little drop of quantum efficiency with increasing θ, demonstrating the quasi-omnidirectional characteristic. As an overall result, both the SiNPs-textured homojunction and heterojunction solar cells possess higher daily electric energy production with a maximum relative enhancement approaching 2.5%, when compared to their SiMPs-textured counterparts. The quasi-omnidirectional solar cell opens a new opportunity for photovoltaics to produce more electric energy with a low cost.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Wang, Hao-Yu; Wu, Jhao-Ting; Chow, Chi-Wai; Liu, Yang; Yeh, Chien-Hung; Liao, Xin-Lan; Lin, Kun-Hsien; Wu, Wei-Liang; Chen, Yi-Yuan
2018-01-01
Using solar cell (or photovoltaic cell) for visible light communication (VLC) is attractive. Apart from acting as a VLC receiver (Rx), the solar cell can provide energy harvesting. This can be used in self-powered smart devices, particularly in the emerging ;Internet of Things (IoT); networks. Here, we propose and demonstrate for the first time using pre-distortion pulse-amplitude-modulation (PAM)-4 signal and parallel resistance circuit to enhance the transmission performance of solar cell Rx based VLC. Pre-distortion is a simple non-adaptive equalization technique that can significantly mitigate the slow charging and discharging of the solar cell. The equivalent circuit model of the solar cell and the operation of using parallel resistance to increase the bandwidth of the solar cell are discussed. By using the proposed schemes, the experimental results show that the data rate of the solar cell Rx based VLC can increase from 20 kbit/s to 1.25 Mbit/s (about 60 times) with the bit error-rate (BER) satisfying the 7% forward error correction (FEC) limit.
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Advantages of thin silicon solar cells for use in space
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Denman, O. S.
1978-01-01
A system definition study on the Solar Power Satellite System showed that a thin, 50 micrometers, silicon solar cell has significant advantages. The advantages include a significantly lower performance degradation in a radiation environment and high power-to-mass ratios. The advantages of such cells for an employment in space is further investigated. Basic questions concerning the operation of solar cells are considered along with aspects of radiation induced performance degradation. The question arose in this connection how thin a silicon solar cell had to be to achieve resistance to radiation degradation and still have good initial performance. It was found that single-crystal silicon solar cells could be as thin as 50 micrometers and still develop high conversion efficiencies. It is concluded that the use of 50 micrometer silicon solar cells in space-based photovoltaic power systems would be advantageous.
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Applications of Fluorogens with Rotor Structures in Solar Cells.
Ong, Kok-Haw; Liu, Bin
2017-05-29
Solar cells are devices that convert light energy into electricity. To drive greater adoption of solar cell technologies, higher cell efficiencies and reductions in manufacturing cost are necessary. Fluorogens containing rotor structures may be helpful in addressing some of these challenges due to their unique twisted structures and photophysics. In this review, we discuss the applications of rotor-containing molecules as dyes for luminescent down-shifting layers and luminescent solar concentrators, where their aggregation-induced emission properties and large Stokes shifts are highly desirable. We also discuss the applications of molecules containing rotors in third-generation solar cell technologies, namely dye-sensitized solar cells and organic photovoltaics, where the twisted 3-dimensional rotor structures are used primarily for aggregation control. Finally, we discuss perspectives on the future role of molecules containing rotor structures in solar cell technologies.
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Usable Electricity from the Sun.
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Energy Research and Development Administration, Washington, DC. Div. of Solar Energy.
This brochure gives an overview to solar photovoltaic energy production. Some of the topics discussed are: (1) solar cell construction; (2) parallel and series cell arrays; (3) effects of location on solar cell array performance; (4) solar economics; (5) space aplications of solar photovoltaic power; and (6) terrestrial applications of solar…
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2011-03-02
... Council on Blood Stem Cell Transplantation; Request for Nominations for Voting Members AGENCY: Health... on Blood Stem Cell Transplantation. The Advisory Council on Blood Stem Cell Transplantation was...: Nominations should be submitted to the Executive Secretary, Advisory Council on Blood Stem Cell...
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Zhang, Yulong; Fan, Zhiqiang; Zhang, Weijia; Ma, Qiang; Jiang, Zhaoyi; Ma, Denghao
2018-05-01
High performance silicon combined structure (micropillar with Cu nanoparticles) solar cell has been synthesized from N-type silicon substrates based on the micropillar array. The combined structure solar cell exhibited higher short circuit current rather than the silicon miropillar solar cell, which the parameters of micropillar array are the same. Due to the Cu nanoparticles were decorated on the surface of silicon micropillar array, the photovoltaic properties of cells have been improved. In addition, the optimal efficiency of 11.5% was measured for the combined structure solar cell, which is better than the silicon micropillar cell.
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Recent Advances in Solar Cell Technology
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Landis, Geoffrey A.; Bailey, Sheila G.; Piszczor, Michael F., Jr.
1996-01-01
The advances in solar cell efficiency, radiation tolerance, and cost over the last decade are reviewed. Potential performance of thin-film solar cells in space are discussed, and the cost and the historical trends in production capability of the photovoltaics industry are considered with respect to the requirements of space power systems. Concentrator cells with conversion efficiency over 30%, and nonconcentrating solar cells with efficiency over 25% are now available, and advanced radiation-tolerant cells and lightweight, thin-film arrays are both being developed. Nonsolar applications of solar cells, including thermophotovoltaics, alpha- and betavoltaics, and laser power receivers, are also discussed.
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2018-01-18
to a variety solar energy markets. For instance, micro-cracks have been shown to cause decreased power output in single- and multi-crystalline Si PV ...fingers in silicon wafer solar cells and PV modules," Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, vol. 108, pp. 78-81, 1// 2013. [4] T. H. Reijenga and H...AFRL-RV-PS- AFRL-RV-PS- TR-2017-0125 TR-2017-0125 ENHANCED CONTACTS FOR INVERTED METAMORPHIC MULTI-JUNCTION SOLAR CELLS USING CARBON NANOTUBE METAL
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DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Schachtner, Michael, E-mail: michael.schachtner@ise.fraunhofer.de; Prado, Marcelo Loyo; Reichmuth, S. Kasimir
2015-09-28
It has been known for a long time that the precise characterization of multi-junction solar cells demands spectrally tunable solar simulators. The calibration of innovative multi-junction solar cells for CPV applications now requires tunable solar simulators which provide high irradiation levels. This paper describes the commissioning and calibration of a flash-based four-lamp simulator to be used for the measurement of multi-junction solar cells with up to four subcells under concentrated light.
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Array Automated Assembly Task Low Cost Silicon Solar Array Project, Phase 2
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Rhee, S. S.; Jones, G. T.; Allison, K. L.
1978-01-01
Progress in the development of solar cells and module process steps for low-cost solar arrays is reported. Specific topics covered include: (1) a system to automatically measure solar cell electrical performance parameters; (2) automation of wafer surface preparation, printing, and plating; (3) laser inspection of mechanical defects of solar cells; and (4) a silicon antireflection coating system. Two solar cell process steps, laser trimming and holing automation and spray-on dopant junction formation, are described.
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Electron and proton damage on InGaAs solar cells having an InP window layer
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Messenger, Scott R.; Cotal, Hector L.; Walters, Robert J.; Summers, Geoffrey P.
1995-01-01
As part of a continuing program to determine the space radiation resistance of InP/ln(0.53)Ga(0.47)As tandem solar cells, n/p In(0.53)Ga(0. 47)As solar cells fabricated by RTI were irradiated with 1 MeV electrons and with 3 MeV protons. The cells were grown with a 3 micron n-lnP window layer to mimic the top cell in the tandem cell configuration for both AMO solar absorption and radiation effects. The results have been plotted against 'displacement damage dose' which is the product of the nonionizing energy loss (NIEL) and the particle fluence. A characteristic radiation damage curve can then be obtained for predicting the effect of all particles and energies. AMO, 1 sun solar illumination IV measurements were performed on the irradiated InGaAs solar cells and a characteristic radiation degradation curve was obtained using the solar cell conversion efficiency as the model parameter. Also presented are data comparing the radiation response of both n/p and p/n (fabricated by NREL) InGaAs solar cells as a function of base doping concentration. For the solar cell efficiency, the radiation degradation was found to be independent of the sample polarity for the same base doping concentration.
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Development of Silver-Free Silicon Photovoltaic Solar Cells with All-Aluminum Electrodes
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Sun, Wen-Cheng
To date, the most popular and dominant material for commercial solar cells is crystalline silicon (or wafer-Si). It has the highest cell efficiency and cell lifetime out of all commercial solar cells. Although the potential of crystalline-Si solar cells in supplying energy demands is enormous, their future growth will likely be constrained by two major bottlenecks. The first is the high electricity input to produce crystalline-Si solar cells and modules, and the second is the limited supply of silver (Ag) reserves. These bottlenecks prevent crystalline-Si solar cells from reaching terawatt-scale deployment, which means the electricity produced by crystalline-Si solar cells would never fulfill a noticeable portion of our energy demands in the future. In order to solve the issue of Ag limitation for the front metal grid, aluminum (Al) electroplating has been developed as an alternative metallization technique in the fabrication of crystalline-Si solar cells. The plating is carried out in a near-room-temperature ionic liquid by means of galvanostatic electrolysis. It has been found that dense, adherent Al deposits with resistivity in the high 10--6 Ω-cm range can be reproducibly obtained directly on Si substrates and nickel seed layers. An all-Al Si solar cell, with an electroplated Al front electrode and a screen-printed Al back electrode, has been successfully demonstrated based on commercial p-type monocrystalline-Si solar cells, and its efficiency is approaching 15%. Further optimization of the cell fabrication process, in particular a suitable patterning technique for the front silicon nitride layer, is expected to increase the efficiency of the cell to ~18%. This shows the potential of Al electroplating in cell metallization is promising and replacing Ag with Al as the front finger electrode is feasible.
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On-Orbit Reconfigurable Solar Array
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Levy, Robert K. (Inventor)
2017-01-01
In one or more embodiments, the present disclosure teaches a method for reconfiguring a solar array. The method involves providing, for the solar array, at least one string of solar cells. The method further involves deactivating at least a portion of at least one of the strings of solar cells of the solar array when power produced by the solar array reaches a maximum power allowance threshold. In addition, the method involves activating at least a portion of at least one of the strings of the solar cells in the solar array when the power produced by the solar array reaches a minimum power allowance threshold.
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[Advances in microbial solar cells--A review].
Guo, Xiaoyun; Yu, Changping; Zheng, Tianling
2015-08-04
The energy crisis has become one of the major problems hindering the development of the world. The emergence of microbial fuel cells provides a new solution to the energy crisis. Microbial solar cells, integrating photosynthetic organisms such as plants and microalgae into microbial fuel cells, can convert solar energy into electrical energy. Microbial solar cell has steady electric energy, and broad application prospects in wastewater treatment, biodiesel processing and intermediate metabolites production. Here we reviewed recent progress of microbial solar cells from the perspective of the role of photosynthetic organisms in microbial fuel cells, based on a vast amount of literature, and discussed their advantages and deficiency. At last, brief analysis of the facing problems and research needs of microbial fuel cells are undertaken. This work was expected to be beneficial for the application of the microbial solar cells technology.
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The simulation of CZTS solar cell for performance improvement
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Kumar, Atul; Thakur, Ajay D.
2018-05-01
A Copper-Zinc-Tin-Sulphide (CZTS) based solar cell of Mo/CZTS/CdS/ZnO is simulated using SCAPS. Quantum efficiency and IV curve of the simulated output of CZTS solar cell is mapped with highest efficiency reported in literature for CZTS solar cell. A modification in back contact thus shottky barrier, spike type band alignment at the CZTS-n type layer junction and higher electron mobility (owing to alkali doping in CZT)S are implement in simulation of CZTS solar cell. An improvement in the solar cell efficiency compared to the standard cell configuration of Mo/CZTS/CdS/ZnO is found. CZTS is plagued with low Voc and low FF which can be increased by optimization as suggested in paper.
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Efficiency Improvement of HIT Solar Cells on p-Type Si Wafers.
Wei, Chun-You; Lin, Chu-Hsuan; Hsiao, Hao-Tse; Yang, Po-Chuan; Wang, Chih-Ming; Pan, Yen-Chih
2013-11-22
Single crystal silicon solar cells are still predominant in the market due to the abundance of silicon on earth and their acceptable efficiency. Different solar-cell structures of single crystalline Si have been investigated to boost efficiency; the heterojunction with intrinsic thin layer (HIT) structure is currently the leading technology. The record efficiency values of state-of-the art HIT solar cells have always been based on n-type single-crystalline Si wafers. Improving the efficiency of cells based on p-type single-crystalline Si wafers could provide broader options for the development of HIT solar cells. In this study, we varied the thickness of intrinsic hydrogenated amorphous Si layer to improve the efficiency of HIT solar cells on p-type Si wafers.
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Indium oxide/n-silicon heterojunction solar cells
Feng, Tom; Ghosh, Amal K.
1982-12-28
A high photo-conversion efficiency indium oxide/n-silicon heterojunction solar cell is spray deposited from a solution containing indium trichloride. The solar cell exhibits an Air Mass One solar conversion efficiency in excess of about 10%.
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Solar Energy Research Facility | Photovoltaic Research | NREL
-efficiency crystalline solar cells. Laboratories in the center module are used to fabricate prototype solar cells and analyze the semiconductor material used to make solar cells, as well as to research hydrogen
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Results of the 1974 through 1977 NASA/JPL balloon flight solar cell calibration program
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Sidwell, L. B.
1978-01-01
From 1974 through 1977, seven solar cell calibration flights and two R&D flights with a spectroradiometer as a payload were attempted. There were two R&D flights, and one calibration flight that failed. Each calibration flight balloon was designed to carry its payload to an altitude of 36.6 km (120 kft). The R&D flight balloons were designed for a payload altitude of 47.5 km (150 kft). At the end of the flight period, the upper (solar cell calibration system) and lower (consolidated instrument package (DIP) payloads were separated from the balloon and descend via parachutes. The calibrated solar cells recovered in this manner were used as primary intensity reference standards during solar simulator testing of solar cells and solar arrays with similar spectral response characteristics. This method of calibration has become the most widely accepted technique for developing space standard solar cells.
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A life prediction methodology for encapsulated solar cells
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Coulbert, C. D.
1978-01-01
This paper presents an approach to the development of a life prediction methodology for encapsulated solar cells which are intended to operate for twenty years or more in a terrestrial environment. Such a methodology, or solar cell life prediction model, requires the development of quantitative intermediate relationships between local environmental stress parameters and the basic chemical mechanisms of encapsulant aging leading to solar cell failures. The use of accelerated/abbreviated testing to develop these intermediate relationships and in revealing failure modes is discussed. Current field and demonstration tests of solar cell arrays and the present laboratory tests to qualify solar module designs provide very little data applicable to predicting the long-term performance of encapsulated solar cells. An approach to enhancing the value of such field tests to provide data for life prediction is described.
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High Performance Tandem Perovskite/Polymer Solar Cells
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Liu, Yao; Bag, Monojit; Page, Zachariah; Renna, Lawrence; Kim, Paul; Choi, Jaewon; Emrick, Todd; Venkataraman, D.; Russell, Thomas
Combining perovskites with other inorganic materials, such as copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) or silicon, is enabling significant improvement in solar cell device performance. Here, we demonstrate a highly efficient hybrid tandem solar cell fabricated through a facile solution deposition approach to give a perovskite front sub-cell and a polymer:fullerene blend back sub-cell. This methodology eliminates the adverse effects of thermal annealing during perovskite fabrication on polymer solar cells. The record tandem solar cell efficiency of 15.96% is 40% greater than the corresponding perovskite-based single junction device and 65% greater than the polymer-based single junction device, while mitigating deleterious hysteresis effects often associated with perovskite solar cells. The hybrid tandem devices demonstrate the synergistic effects arising from the combination of perovskite and polymer-based materials for solar cells. This work was supported by the Department of Energy-supported Energy Frontier Research Center at the University of Massachusetts (DE-SC0001087). The authors acknowledge the W.M. Keck Electron Microscopy.
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Development of Low-cost, High Energy-per-unit-area Solar Cell Modules
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Jones, G. T.; Chitre, S.; Rhee, S. S.
1978-01-01
The development of two hexagonal solar cell process sequences, a laserscribing process technique for scribing hexagonal and modified hexagonal solar cells, a large through-put diffusion process, and two surface macrostructure processes suitable for large scale production is reported. Experimental analysis was made on automated spin-on anti-reflective coating equipment and high pressure wafer cleaning equipment. Six hexagonal solar cell modules were fabricated. Also covered is a detailed theoretical analysis on the optimum silicon utilization by modified hexagonal solar cells.
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2016-03-21
ORIGINAL PAPER Silicon solar cell efficiency improvement employing the photoluminescent, down-shifting effects of carbon and CdTe quantum dots Elias...smaller influence on solar cell performance, they are con- sidered to be a more attractive option due to their afford- ability and minimal impact in the...Photovoltaics Solar cells Introduction There is a generalized trend to demonstrate higher solar cell efficiency with more affordable devices to promote
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Process of making solar cell module
Packer, M.; Coyle, P.J.
1981-03-09
A process is presented for the manufacture of solar cell modules. A solution comprising a highly plasticized polyvinyl butyral is applied to a solar cell array. The coated array is dried and sandwiched between at last two sheets of polyvinyl butyral and at least two sheets of a rigid transparent member. The sandwich is laminated by the application of heat and pressure to cause fusion and bonding of the solar cell array with the rigid transparent members to produce a solar cell module.
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Yao, Maoqing; Cong, Sen; Arab, Shermin; Huang, Ningfeng; Povinelli, Michelle L; Cronin, Stephen B; Dapkus, P Daniel; Zhou, Chongwu
2015-11-11
Multijunction solar cells provide us a viable approach to achieve efficiencies higher than the Shockley-Queisser limit. Due to their unique optical, electrical, and crystallographic features, semiconductor nanowires are good candidates to achieve monolithic integration of solar cell materials that are not lattice-matched. Here, we report the first realization of nanowire-on-Si tandem cells with the observation of voltage addition of the GaAs nanowire top cell and the Si bottom cell with an open circuit voltage of 0.956 V and an efficiency of 11.4%. Our simulation showed that the current-matching condition plays an important role in the overall efficiency. Furthermore, we characterized GaAs nanowire arrays grown on lattice-mismatched Si substrates and estimated the carrier density using photoluminescence. A low-resistance connecting junction was obtained using n(+)-GaAs/p(+)-Si heterojunction. Finally, we demonstrated tandem solar cells based on top GaAs nanowire array solar cells grown on bottom planar Si solar cells. The reported nanowire-on-Si tandem cell opens up great opportunities for high-efficiency, low-cost multijunction solar cells.
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A review of high-efficiency silicon solar cells
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Rohatgi, A.
1986-01-01
Various parameters that affect solar cell efficiency were discussed. It is not understood why solar cells produced from less expensive Czochralski (Cz) silicon are less efficient than cells fabricated from more expensive float-zone (Fz) silicon. Performance characteristics were presented for recently produced, high-efficient solar cells fabricated by Westinghouse Electric Corp., Spire Corp., University of New South Wales, and Stanford University.
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A Hybrid Tandem Solar Cell Combining a Dye-Sensitized and a Polymer Solar Cell.
Shao, Zhipeng; Chen, Shuanghong; Zhang, Xuhui; Zhu, Liangzheng; Ye, Jiajiu; Dai, Songyuan
2016-06-01
A hybrid tandem solar cell was assambled by connecting a dye sensitized solar cell and a polymer solar cell in series. A N719 sensitized TiO2 was used as photocathode in dye-sensitized subcell, and a MEH-PPV/PCBM composite was used as active layer in the polymer subcell. The polymer subcell fabricated on the counter electrode of the dye sensitized solar cell. A solution processed TiO(x) layer was used as electron collection layer of the polymer sub cell and the charge recombination layer. The effects of the TiO(x) interlayer and the spectral overlap between the two sub cells have been studied and optimized. The results shows that a proper thickness of the TiO(x) layer is needed for tandem solar cells. Thick TiO(x) will enhance the series resistance, but too thin TiO(x), layer will damage the hole blocking effect and its hydrophilic. The resulting optimized tandem solar cells exhibited a power conversion efficiency of 1.28% with a V(oc) of 0.95 V under simulated 100 mW cm(-2) AM 1.5 illumination.
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Silicon solar cells: Past, present and the future
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Lee, Youn-Jung; Kim, Byung-Sung; Ifitiquar, S. M.; Park, Cheolmin; Yi, Junsin
2014-08-01
There has been a great demand for renewable energy for the last few years. However, the solar cell industry is currently experiencing a temporary plateau due to a sluggish economy and an oversupply of low-quality cells. The current situation can be overcome by reducing the production cost and by improving the cell is conversion efficiency. New materials such as compound semiconductor thin films have been explored to reduce the fabrication cost, and structural changes have been explored to improve the cell's efficiency. Although a record efficiency of 24.7% is held by a PERL — structured silicon solar cell and 13.44% has been realized using a thin silicon film, the mass production of these cells is still too expensive. Crystalline and amorphous silicon — based solar cells have led the solar industry and have occupied more than half of the market so far. They will remain so in the future photovoltaic (PV) market by playing a pivotal role in the solar industry. In this paper, we discuss two primary approaches that may boost the silicon — based solar cell market; one is a high efficiency approach and the other is a low cost approach. We also discuss the future prospects of various solar cells.
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Singh, Surya Prakash; Sharma, G D
2014-06-01
Dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) and bulk heterojunction (BHJ) solar cells have been the subject of intensive academic interest over the past two decades, and significant commercial effort has been directed towards this area with the vison of developing the next generation of low cost solar cells. Materials development has played a vital role in the dramatic improvement of both DSSC and BHJ solar cell performance in the recent years. Organic conjugated polymers and small molecules that absorb solar light in the visible and near infrared (NIR) regions represent a class of emering materials and show a great potential for the use of different optoelectronic devices such as DSSCs and BHJ solar cells. This account describes the emering class of near infrared (NIR) organic polymers and small molecules having donor and acceptors units, and explores their potential applications in the DSSCs and BHJ solar cells. Copyright © 2014 The Chemical Society of Japan and Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.
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Neutral- and Multi-Colored Semitransparent Perovskite Solar Cells.
Lee, Kyu-Tae; Guo, L Jay; Park, Hui Joon
2016-04-11
In this review, we summarize recent works on perovskite solar cells with neutral- and multi-colored semitransparency for building-integrated photovoltaics and tandem solar cells. The perovskite solar cells exploiting microstructured arrays of perovskite "islands" and transparent electrodes-the latter of which include thin metallic films, metal nanowires, carbon nanotubes, graphenes, and transparent conductive oxides for achieving optical transparency-are investigated. Moreover, the perovskite solar cells with distinctive color generation, which are enabled by engineering the band gap of the perovskite light-harvesting semiconductors with chemical management and integrating with photonic nanostructures, including microcavity, are discussed. We conclude by providing future research directions toward further performance improvements of the semitransparent perovskite solar cells.
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Single P-N junction tandem photovoltaic device
Walukiewicz, Wladyslaw [Kensington, CA; Ager, III, Joel W.; Yu, Kin Man [Lafayette, CA
2012-03-06
A single P-N junction solar cell is provided having two depletion regions for charge separation while allowing the electrons and holes to recombine such that the voltages associated with both depletion regions of the solar cell will add together. The single p-n junction solar cell includes an alloy of either InGaN or InAlN formed on one side of the P-N junction with Si formed on the other side in order to produce characteristics of a two junction (2J) tandem solar cell through only a single P-N junction. A single P-N junction solar cell having tandem solar cell characteristics will achieve power conversion efficiencies exceeding 30%.
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Single P-N junction tandem photovoltaic device
Walukiewicz, Wladyslaw [Kensington, CA; Ager, III, Joel W.; Yu, Kin Man [Lafayette, CA
2011-10-18
A single P-N junction solar cell is provided having two depletion regions for charge separation while allowing the electrons and holes to recombine such that the voltages associated with both depletion regions of the solar cell will add together. The single p-n junction solar cell includes an alloy of either InGaN or InAlN formed on one side of the P-N junction with Si formed on the other side in order to produce characteristics of a two junction (2J) tandem solar cell through only a single P-N junction. A single P-N junction solar cell having tandem solar cell characteristics will achieve power conversion efficiencies exceeding 30%.
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Present Status and Future Prospects of Silicon Thin-Film Solar Cells
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Konagai, Makoto
2011-03-01
In this report, an overview of the recent status of photovoltaic (PV) power generation is first presented from the viewpoint of reducing CO2 emission. Next, the Japanese roadmap for the research and development (R&D) of PV power generation and the progress in the development of various solar cells are explained. In addition, the present status and future prospects of amorphous silicon (a-Si) thin-film solar cells, which are expected to enter the stage of full-scale practical application in the near future, are described. For a-Si single-junction solar cells, the conversion efficiency of their large-area modules has now reached 6-8%, and their practical application to megawatt solar systems has started. Meanwhile, the focus of R&D has been shifting to a-Si and microcrystalline silicon (µc-Si) tandem solar cells. Thus far, a-Si/µc-Si tandem solar cell modules with conversion efficiency exceeding 13% have been reported. In addition, triple-junction solar cells, whose target year for practical application is 2025 or later, are introduced, as well as innovative thin-film full-spectrum solar cells, whose target year of realization is 2050.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Arshad, Muhammad Azeem; Maaroufi, AbdelKrim
2018-07-01
A beginning has been made in the present study regarding the accurate lifetime predictions of polymer solar cells. Certain reservations about the conventionally employed temperature accelerated lifetime measurements test for its unworthiness of predicting reliable lifetimes of polymer solar cells are brought into light. Critical issues concerning the accelerated lifetime testing include, assuming reaction mechanism instead of determining it, and relying solely on the temperature acceleration of a single property of material. An advanced approach comprising a set of theoretical models to estimate the accurate lifetimes of polymer solar cells is therefore suggested in order to suitably alternate the accelerated lifetime testing. This approach takes into account systematic kinetic modeling of various possible polymer degradation mechanisms under natural weathering conditions. The proposed kinetic approach is substantiated by its applications on experimental aging data-sets of polymer solar materials/solar cells including, P3HT polymer film, bulk heterojunction (MDMO-PPV:PCBM) and dye-sensitized solar cells. Based on the suggested approach, an efficacious lifetime determination formula for polymer solar cells is derived and tested on dye-sensitized solar cells. Some important merits of the proposed method are also pointed out and its prospective applications are discussed.
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DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Mayerovitch, M.D.
1980-03-25
A solar collector cell formed as an integral portion of a roof flashing is disclosed as comprising a flashing base having a dihedral surface including a larger base portion and a smaller ramp portion, and a solar collector cell container built integrally with the base portion of the flashing. The combination is designed to be installed in the roof of a dwelling or other building structure. The container portion of the flashing is substantially shorter in height above the roof line than conventional solar collector cell structures added to a roof subsequent to its construction. As a result, the inventionmore » gives the building constructor or owner, the option of either including the solar cell components at the time of construction of the roof to provide a solar heating device, or to fill the solar collector cell container with a temporary support structure, such as roof shakes or tiles. The shape of the solar collector cell and flashing assembly permits the solar collector cell structure to be camouflaged by overlying shakes or tiles of which the roof is constructed.« less
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Feasibility study of a 110 watt per kilogram lightweight solar array system
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Shepard, N. F.; Stahle, C. V.; Hanson, K. L.; Schneider, A.; Blomstrom, L. E.; Hansen, W. T.; Kirpich, A.
1973-01-01
The feasibility of a 10,000 watt solar array panel which has a minimum power-to-mass ratio of 110 watt/kg is discussed. The application of this ultralightweight solar array to three possible missions was investigated. With the interplanetary mission as a baseline, the constraining requirements for a geosynchronous mission and for a manned space station mission are presented. A review of existing lightweight solar array system concepts revealed that changes in the system approach are necessary to achieve the specified 110 watt/kg goal. A comprehensive review of existing component technology is presented in the areas of thin solar cells, solar cell covers, welded interconnectors, substrates and deployable booms. Advances in the state-of-the-art of solar cell and deployable boom technology were investigated. System level trade studies required to select the optimum boom bending stiffness, system aspect ratio, bus voltage level, and solar cell circuit arrangement are reported. Design analysis tasks included the thermal analysis of the solar cell blanket, thermal stress analysis of the solar cell interconnectors/substrate, and the thermostructural loading of the deployed boom.
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Method for forming indium oxide/n-silicon heterojunction solar cells
Feng, Tom; Ghosh, Amal K.
1984-03-13
A high photo-conversion efficiency indium oxide/n-silicon heterojunction solar cell is spray deposited from a solution containing indium trichloride. The solar cell exhibits an Air Mass One solar conversion efficiency in excess of about 10%.
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Origin of Open-Circuit Voltage Loss in Polymer Solar Cells and Perovskite Solar Cells.
Kim, Hyung Do; Yanagawa, Nayu; Shimazaki, Ai; Endo, Masaru; Wakamiya, Atsushi; Ohkita, Hideo; Benten, Hiroaki; Ito, Shinzaburo
2017-06-14
Herein, the open-circuit voltage (V OC ) loss in both polymer solar cells and perovskite solar cells is quantitatively analyzed by measuring the temperature dependence of V OC to discuss the difference in the primary loss mechanism of V OC between them. As a result, the photon energy loss for polymer solar cells is in the range of about 0.7-1.4 eV, which is ascribed to temperature-independent and -dependent loss mechanisms, while that for perovskite solar cells is as small as about 0.5 eV, which is ascribed to a temperature-dependent loss mechanism. This difference is attributed to the different charge generation and recombination mechanisms between the two devices. The potential strategies for the improvement of V OC in both solar cells are further discussed on the basis of the experimental data.
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NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Goodelle, G. S.; Brooks, G. R.; Seaman, C. H.
1981-01-01
The development and implementation of an instrument for spectral measurement of solar simulators for testing solar cell characteristics is reported. The device was constructed for detecting changes in solar simulator behavior and for comparing simulator spectral irradiance to solar AM0 output. It consists of a standard solar cell equipped with a band pass filter narrow enough so that, when flown on a balloon to sufficient altitude along with sufficient numbers of cells, each equipped with filters of different bandpass ratings, the entire spectral response of the standard cell can be determined. Measured short circuit currents from the balloon flights thus produce cell devices which, when exposed to solar simulator light, have a current which does or does not respond as observed under actual AM0 conditions. Improvements of the filtered cells in terms of finer bandpass filter tuning and measurement of temperature coefficients are indicated.
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Efficiency improvement of silicon solar cells enabled by ZnO nanowhisker array coating
2012-01-01
An efficient antireflection coating is critical for the improvement of silicon solar cell performance via increased light coupling. Here, we have grown well-aligned ZnO nanowhisker (NW) arrays on Czochralski silicon solar cells by a seeding-growth two-step process. It is found that the ZnO NWs have a great effect on the macroscopic antireflection effect and, therefore, improves the solar cell performance. The ZnO NW array-coated solar cells display a broadband reflection suppression from 500 to 1,100 nm, and the minimum reflectance smaller than 3% can easily be achieved. By optimizing the time of ZnO NW growth, it has been confirmed that an increase of 3% relatively in the solar cell efficiency can be obtained. These results are quite interesting for the application of ZnO nanostructure in the fabrication of high-efficiency silicon solar cells. PMID:22704578
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Organic Solar Cells beyond One Pair of Donor-Acceptor: Ternary Blends and More.
Yang, Liqiang; Yan, Liang; You, Wei
2013-06-06
Ternary solar cells enjoy both an increased light absorption width, and an easy fabrication process associated with their simple structures. Significant progress has been made for such solar cells with demonstrated efficiencies over 7%; however, their fundamental working principles are still under investigation. This Perspective is intended to offer our insights on the three major governing mechanisms in these intriguing ternary solar cells: charge transfer, energy transfer, and parallel-linkage. Through careful analysis of exemplary cases, we summarize the advantages and limitations of these three major mechanisms and suggest future research directions. For example, incorporating additional singlet fission or upconversion materials into the energy transfer dominant ternary solar cells has the potential to break the theoretical efficiency limit in single junction organic solar cells. Clearly, a feedback loop between fundamental understanding and materials selection is in urgent need to accelerate the efficiency improvement of these ternary solar cells.
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Solare Cell Roof Tile And Method Of Forming Same
Hanoka, Jack I.; Real, Markus
1999-11-16
A solar cell roof tile includes a front support layer, a transparent encapsulant layer, a plurality of interconnected solar cells and a backskin layer. The front support layer is formed of light transmitting material and has first and second surfaces. The transparent encapsulant layer is disposed adjacent the second surface of the front support layer. The interconnected solar cells has a first surface disposed adjacent the transparent encapsulant layer. The backskin layer has a first surface disposed adjacent a second surface of the interconnected solar cells, wherein a portion of the backskin layer wraps around and contacts the first surface of the front support layer to form the border region. A portion of the border region has an extended width. The solar cell roof tile may have stand-offs disposed on the extended width border region for providing vertical spacing with respect to an adjacent solar cell roof tile.
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Solar Array Mast Imagery Discussion for ISIW
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Kilgo, Gary
2017-01-01
SAW Mast inspection background: In 2012, NASA's Flight Safety Office requested the Micro Meteoroid and Orbital Debris (MMOD) office determine the probability of damage to the Solar Array Wing (SAW) mast based on the exposure over the life time of the ISS program. As part of the risk mitigation of the potential MMOD strikes. ISS Program office along with the Image Science and Analysis Group (ISAG) began developing methods for imaging the structural components of the Mast.
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Helioviewer.org: An Open-source Tool for Visualizing Solar Data
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Hughitt, V. Keith; Ireland, J.; Schmiedel, P.; Dimitoglou, G.; Mueller, D.; Fleck, B.
2009-05-01
As the amount of solar data available to scientists continues to increase at faster and faster rates, it is important that there exist simple tools for navigating this data quickly with a minimal amount of effort. By combining heterogeneous solar physics datatypes such as full-disk images and coronagraphs, along with feature and event information, Helioviewer offers a simple and intuitive way to browse multiple datasets simultaneously. Images are stored in a repository using the JPEG 2000 format and tiled dynamically upon a client's request. By tiling images and serving only the portions of the image requested, it is possible for the client to work with very large images without having to fetch all of the data at once. Currently, Helioviewer enables users to browse the entire SOHO data archive, updated hourly, as well as data feature/event catalog data from eight different catalogs including active region, flare, coronal mass ejection, type II radio burst data. In addition to a focus on intercommunication with other virtual observatories and browsers (VSO, HEK, etc), Helioviewer will offer a number of externally-available application programming interfaces (APIs) to enable easy third party use, adoption and extension. Future functionality will include: support for additional data-sources including TRACE, SDO and STEREO, dynamic movie generation, a navigable timeline of recorded solar events, social annotation, and basic client-side image processing.
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One-Dimensional Fast Transient Simulator for Modeling Cadmium Sulfide/Cadmium Telluride Solar Cells
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Guo, Da
Solar energy, including solar heating, solar architecture, solar thermal electricity and solar photovoltaics, is one of the primary alternative energy sources to fossil fuel. Being one of the most important techniques, significant research has been conducted in solar cell efficiency improvement. Simulation of various structures and materials of solar cells provides a deeper understanding of device operation and ways to improve their efficiency. Over the last two decades, polycrystalline thin-film Cadmium-Sulfide and Cadmium-Telluride (CdS/CdTe) solar cells fabricated on glass substrates have been considered as one of the most promising candidate in the photovoltaic technologies, for their similar efficiency and low costs when compared to traditional silicon-based solar cells. In this work a fast one dimensional time-dependent/steady-state drift-diffusion simulator, accelerated by adaptive non-uniform mesh and automatic time-step control, for modeling solar cells has been developed and has been used to simulate a CdS/CdTe solar cell. These models are used to reproduce transients of carrier transport in response to step-function signals of different bias and varied light intensity. The time-step control models are also used to help convergence in steady-state simulations where constrained material constants, such as carrier lifetimes in the order of nanosecond and carrier mobility in the order of 100 cm2/Vs, must be applied.
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Jeng, Ming-Jer; Chen, Zih-Yang; Xiao, Yu-Ling; Chang, Liann-Be; Ao, Jianping; Sun, Yun; Popko, Ewa; Jacak, Witold; Chow, Lee
2015-10-08
This work studies the use of gold (Au) and silver (Ag) nanoparticles in multicrystalline silicon (mc-Si) and copper-indium-gallium-diselenide (CIGS) solar cells. Au and Ag nanoparticles are deposited by spin-coating method, which is a simple and low cost process. The random distribution of nanoparticles by spin coating broadens the resonance wavelength of the transmittance. This broadening favors solar cell applications. Metal shadowing competes with light scattering in a manner that varies with nanoparticle concentration. Experimental results reveal that the mc-Si solar cells that incorporate Au nanoparticles outperform those with Ag nanoparticles. The incorporation of suitable concentration of Au and Ag nanoparticles into mc-Si solar cells increases their efficiency enhancement by 5.6% and 4.8%, respectively. Incorporating Au and Ag nanoparticles into CIGS solar cells improve their efficiency enhancement by 1.2% and 1.4%, respectively. The enhancement of the photocurrent in mc-Si solar cells is lower than that in CIGS solar cells, owing to their different light scattering behaviors and material absorption coefficients.
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Zhang, Xiaoliang; Santra, Pralay Kanti; Tian, Lei; Johansson, Malin B; Rensmo, Håkan; Johansson, Erik M J
2017-08-22
Colloidal quantum dot (CQD) solar cells have high potential for realizing an efficient and lightweight energy supply for flexible or wearable electronic devices. To achieve highly efficient and flexible CQD solar cells, the electron transport layer (ETL), extracting electrons from the CQD solid layer, needs to be processed at a low-temperature and should also suppress interfacial recombination. Herein, a highly stable MgZnO nanocrystal (MZO-NC) layer is reported for efficient flexible PbS CQD solar cells. Solar cells fabricated with MZO-NC ETL give a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 10.4% and 9.4%, on glass and flexible plastic substrates, respectively. The reported flexible CQD solar cell has the record efficiency to date of flexible CQD solar cells. Detailed theoretical simulations and extensive characterizations reveal that the MZO-NCs significantly enhance charge extraction from CQD solids and diminish the charge accumulation at the ETL/CQD interface, suppressing charge interfacial recombination. These important results suggest that the low-temperature processed MZO-NCs are very promising for use in efficient flexible solar cells or other flexible optoelectronic devices.
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Jeng, Ming-Jer; Chen, Zih-Yang; Xiao, Yu-Ling; Chang, Liann-Be; Ao, Jianping; Sun, Yun; Popko, Ewa; Jacak, Witold; Chow, Lee
2015-01-01
This work studies the use of gold (Au) and silver (Ag) nanoparticles in multicrystalline silicon (mc-Si) and copper-indium-gallium-diselenide (CIGS) solar cells. Au and Ag nanoparticles are deposited by spin-coating method, which is a simple and low cost process. The random distribution of nanoparticles by spin coating broadens the resonance wavelength of the transmittance. This broadening favors solar cell applications. Metal shadowing competes with light scattering in a manner that varies with nanoparticle concentration. Experimental results reveal that the mc-Si solar cells that incorporate Au nanoparticles outperform those with Ag nanoparticles. The incorporation of suitable concentration of Au and Ag nanoparticles into mc-Si solar cells increases their efficiency enhancement by 5.6% and 4.8%, respectively. Incorporating Au and Ag nanoparticles into CIGS solar cells improve their efficiency enhancement by 1.2% and 1.4%, respectively. The enhancement of the photocurrent in mc-Si solar cells is lower than that in CIGS solar cells, owing to their different light scattering behaviors and material absorption coefficients. PMID:28793599
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Results from testing and analysis of solar cells flown on LDEF
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Dursch, Harry
1992-01-01
A brief discussion of the solar cell experiments flown on the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) is provided. The information presented is a collation of results published by the various experimenters. This process of collation and documentation is an ongoing Systems Special Investigation Group (SIG) effort. There are four LEO environments, operating individually and/or synergistically, that cause performance loss in solar cells: meteoroid and space debris, atomic oxygen, ultraviolet radiation, and charged particle radiation. In addition, the effects of contamination caused by outgassing of materials used on the specific spacecraft play a role in decreasing the light being transmitted through the coverglass and adhesive to the solar cell. From the results presented on the solar cells aboard LDEF, the most extensive degradation of the solar cells came from impacts and the resulting cratering. The extent of the damage to the solar cells was largely dependent upon the size and energy of the meteoroids or space debris. The other cause of degradation was reduced light reaching the solar cell. This was caused by contamination, UV degradation of coverglass adhesive, and/or atomic oxygen/UV degradation of antireflection coatings.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Chhetri, Nikita; Chatterjee, Somenath
2018-01-01
Solar cells/photovoltaic, a renewable energy source, is appraised to be the most effective alternative to the conventional electrical energy generator. A cost-effective alternative of crystalline wafer-based solar cell is thin-film polycrystalline-based solar cell. This paper reports the numerical analysis of dependency of the solar cell parameters (i.e., efficiency, fill factor, open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current density) on grain size for thin-film-based polycrystalline silicon (Si) solar cells. A minority carrier lifetime model is proposed to do a correlation between the grains, grain boundaries and lifetime for thin-film-based polycrystalline Si solar cells in MATLAB environment. As observed, the increment in the grain size diameter results in increase in minority carrier lifetime in polycrystalline Si thin film. A non-equivalent series resistance double-diode model is used to find the dark as well as light (AM1.5) current-voltage (I-V) characteristics for thin-film-based polycrystalline Si solar cells. To optimize the effectiveness of the proposed model, a successive approximation method is used and the corresponding fitting parameters are obtained. The model is validated with the experimentally obtained results reported elsewhere. The experimentally reported solar cell parameters can be found using the proposed model described here.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Liu, Yang; Chen, Hung-Yu; Liang, Kevin; Wei, Liang-Yu; Chow, Chi-Wai; Yeh, Chien-Hung
2016-01-01
Traditional visible light communication (VLC) uses positive-intrinsic-negative photodiode (PD) or avalanche PD as the optical receivers (Rx). We demonstrate using a solar cell as the VLC Rx. The solar cell is flexible and low cost and converts the optical signal into an electrical signal directly without the need of external power supply. In addition to acting as the VLC passive Rx, the converted electrical signal from the solar cell can charge up the battery of the Rx nodes. Hence, the proposed scheme can be a promising candidate for the future Internet of Things network. However, a solar cell acting as a VLC Rx is very challenging, since the response of the solar cell is limited. Here, we propose and demonstrate using predistortion to significantly enhance the solar cell Rx response for the first time up to the authors' knowledge. Experimental results show that the response of the solar cell Rx is significantly enhanced; and the original 2-kHz detection bandwidth of the solar cell can be enhanced by 250 times for receiving 500-kbit/s VLC signal at a transmission distance of 1 m. The operation principle, the generated voltage by the solar cell, and the maximum data rates achieved at different transmission distances are also studied.
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Fast determination of the current loss mechanisms in textured crystalline Si-based solar cells
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Nakane, Akihiro; Fujimoto, Shohei; Fujiwara, Hiroyuki
2017-11-01
A quite general device analysis method that allows the direct evaluation of optical and recombination losses in crystalline silicon (c-Si)-based solar cells has been developed. By applying this technique, the current loss mechanisms of the state-of-the-art solar cells with ˜20% efficiencies have been revealed. In the established method, the optical and electrical losses are characterized from the analysis of an experimental external quantum efficiency (EQE) spectrum with very low computational cost. In particular, we have performed the EQE analyses of textured c-Si solar cells by employing the experimental reflectance spectra obtained directly from the actual devices while using flat optical models without any fitting parameters. We find that the developed method provides almost perfect fitting to EQE spectra reported for various textured c-Si solar cells, including c-Si heterojunction solar cells, a dopant-free c-Si solar cell with a MoOx layer, and an n-type passivated emitter with rear locally diffused solar cell. The modeling of the recombination loss further allows the extraction of the minority carrier diffusion length and surface recombination velocity from the EQE analysis. Based on the EQE analysis results, the current loss mechanisms in different types of c-Si solar cells are discussed.
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Potential over request in anemia laboratory tests in primary care in Spain.
Salinas, María; López-Garrigós, Maite; Flores, Emilio; Uris, Joaquín; Leiva-Salinas, Carlos
2015-07-01
The aim was to study the inter-practice variability in anemia laboratory tests requested by general practitioners in Spain, to evaluate for a potential requesting inappropriateness. Laboratories from diverse Spanish regions filled out the number of cell blood count, ferritin, folate, iron, transferrin, and vitamin B12 requested by general practitioners during 2012. The number of test requests per 1000 inhabitants and ratios of related tests requests were calculated. The results obtained in hospitals from different areas (urban, rural, or urban-rural), type of management (public or private), and geographic regions were compared. There was a high variability in the number of test requests and ratios of related tests. Cell blood count was over requested in rural areas and in hospitals with private management. Andalucía was the community with the lowest number of iron requests and the lowest folate/vitamin B12 indicator value. Iron and transferrin seemed over requested in some areas; as were folate and ferritin when compared to vitamin B12 and cell blood count, respectively. The differences observed between areas indicate that other factors besides clinical reasons could be behind that variability and emphasize the need to accomplish interventions to improve the appropriate use of anemia laboratory tests.
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Reversible electron-hole separation in a hot carrier solar cell
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Limpert, S.; Bremner, S.; Linke, H.
2015-09-01
Hot-carrier solar cells are envisioned to utilize energy filtering to extract power from photogenerated electron-hole pairs before they thermalize with the lattice, and thus potentially offer higher power conversion efficiency compared to conventional, single absorber solar cells. The efficiency of hot-carrier solar cells can be expected to strongly depend on the details of the energy filtering process, a relationship which to date has not been satisfactorily explored. Here, we establish the conditions under which electron-hole separation in hot-carrier solar cells can occur reversibly, that is, at maximum energy conversion efficiency. We thus focus our analysis on the internal operation of the hot-carrier solar cell itself, and in this work do not consider the photon-mediated coupling to the Sun. After deriving an expression for the voltage of a hot-carrier solar cell valid under conditions of both reversible and irreversible electrical operation, we identify separate contributions to the voltage from the thermoelectric effect and the photovoltaic effect. We find that, under specific conditions, the energy conversion efficiency of a hot-carrier solar cell can exceed the Carnot limit set by the intra-device temperature gradient alone, due to the additional contribution of the quasi-Fermi level splitting in the absorber. We also establish that the open-circuit voltage of a hot-carrier solar cell is not limited by the band gap of the absorber, due to the additional thermoelectric contribution to the voltage. Additionally, we find that a hot-carrier solar cell can be operated in reverse as a thermally driven solid-state light emitter. Our results help explore the fundamental limitations of hot-carrier solar cells, and provide a first step towards providing experimentalists with a guide to the optimal configuration of devices.
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Khlyabich, Petr P; Rudenko, Andrey E; Burkhart, Beate; Thompson, Barry C
2015-02-04
Here two contrasting approaches to polymer-fullerene solar cells are compared. In the first approach, two distinct semi-random donor-acceptor copolymers are blended with phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PC61BM) to form ternary blend solar cells. The two poly(3-hexylthiophene)-based polymers contain either the acceptor thienopyrroledione (TPD) or diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP). In the second approach, semi-random donor-acceptor copolymers containing both TPD and DPP acceptors in the same polymer backbone, termed two-acceptor polymers, are blended with PC61BM to give binary blend solar cells. The two approaches result in bulk heterojunction solar cells that have the same molecular active-layer components but differ in the manner in which these molecular components are mixed, either by physical mixing (ternary blend) or chemical "mixing" in the two-acceptor (binary blend) case. Optical properties and photon-to-electron conversion efficiencies of the binary and ternary blends were found to have similar features and were described as a linear combination of the individual components. At the same time, significant differences were observed in the open-circuit voltage (Voc) behaviors of binary and ternary blend solar cells. While in case of two-acceptor polymers, the Voc was found to be in the range of 0.495-0.552 V, ternary blend solar cells showed behavior inherent to organic alloy formation, displaying an intermediate, composition-dependent and tunable Voc in the range from 0.582 to 0.684 V, significantly exceeding the values achieved in the two-acceptor containing binary blend solar cells. Despite the differences between the physical and chemical mixing approaches, both pathways provided solar cells with similar power conversion efficiencies, highlighting the advantages of both pathways toward highly efficient organic solar cells.
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High-Temperature Solar Cell Development
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Landis, Geoffrey A.; Raffaelle, Ryne P.; Merritt, Danielle
2004-01-01
The vast majority of satellites and near-earth probes developed to date have relied upon photovoltaic power generation. If future missions to probe environments close to the sun will be able to use photovoltaic power, solar cells that can function at high temperatures, under high light intensity, and high radiation conditions must be developed. For example, the equilibrium temperature of a Mercury surface station will be about 450 C, and the temperature of solar arrays on the proposed "Solar Probe" mission will extend to temperatures as high as 2000 C (although it is likely that the craft will operate on stored power rather than solar energy during the closest approach to the sun). Advanced thermal design principles, such as replacing some of the solar array area with reflectors, off-pointing, and designing the cells to reflect rather than absorb light out of the band of peak response, can reduce these operating temperature somewhat. Nevertheless, it is desirable to develop approaches to high-temperature solar cell design that can operate under temperature extremes far greater than today's cells. Solar cells made from wide bandgap (WBG) compound semiconductors are an obvious choice for such an application. In order to aid in the experimental development of such solar cells, we have initiated a program studying the theoretical and experimental photovoltaic performance of wide bandgap materials. In particular, we have been investigating the use of GaP, SiC, and GaN materials for space solar cells. We will present theoretical results on the limitations on current cell technologies and the photovoltaic performance of these wide-bandgap solar cells in a variety of space conditions. We will also give an overview of some of NASA's cell developmental efforts in this area and discuss possible future mission applications.
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Predicting efficiency of solar cells based on transparent conducting electrodes
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Kumar, Ankush
2017-01-01
Efficiency of a solar cell is directly correlated with the performance of its transparent conducting electrodes (TCEs) which dictates its two core processes, viz., absorption and collection efficiencies. Emerging designs of a TCE involve active networks of carbon nanotubes, silver nanowires and various template-based techniques providing diverse structures; here, voids are transparent for optical transmittance while the conducting network acts as a charge collector. However, it is still not well understood as to which kind of network structure leads to an optimum solar cell performance; therefore, mostly an arbitrary network is chosen as a solar cell electrode. Herein, we propose a new generic approach for understanding the role of TCEs in determining the solar cell efficiency based on analysis of shadowing and recombination losses. A random network of wires encloses void regions of different sizes and shapes which permit light transmission; two terms, void fraction and equivalent radius, are defined to represent the TCE transmittance and wire spacings, respectively. The approach has been applied to various literature examples and their solar cell performance has been compared. To obtain high-efficiency solar cells, optimum density of the wires and their aspect ratio as well as active layer thickness are calculated. Our findings show that a TCE well suitable for one solar cell may not be suitable for another. For high diffusion length based solar cells, the void fraction of the network should be low while for low diffusion length based solar cells, the equivalent radius should be lower. The network with less wire spacing compared to the diffusion length behaves similar to continuous film based TCEs (such as indium tin oxide). The present work will be useful for architectural as well as material engineering of transparent electrodes for improvisation of solar cell performance.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Sugaya, Takeyoshi; Tayagaki, Takeshi; Aihara, Taketo; Makita, Kikuo; Oshima, Ryuji; Mizuno, Hidenori; Nagato, Yuki; Nakamoto, Takashi; Okano, Yoshinobu
2018-05-01
We report high-quality dual-junction GaAs solar cells grown using solid-source molecular beam epitaxy and their application to smart stacked III–V//Si quadruple-junction solar cells with a two-terminal configuration for the first time. A high open-circuit voltage of 2.94 eV was obtained in an InGaP/GaAs/GaAs triple-junction top cell that was stacked to a Si bottom cell. The short-circuit current density of a smart stacked InGaP/GaAs/GaAs//Si solar cell was in good agreement with that estimated from external quantum efficiency measurements. An efficiency of 18.5% with a high open-circuit voltage of 3.3 V was obtained in InGaP/GaAs/GaAs//Si two-terminal solar cells.
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Solar Cells Light Up Prison Cells on 'The Rock' | News | NREL
2 » Solar Cells Light Up Prison Cells on 'The Rock' Solar Cells Light Up Prison Cells on 'The Rock ' July 23, 2012 This photo shows an island in the middle of blue sea water, with industrial buildings taking up a good deal of the island. The 1,300 solar panels on the Cellhouse building are a dark blue
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Development of Low Cost, High Energy-Per-Unit-Area Solar Cell Modules
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Jones, G. T.; Chitre, S.
1977-01-01
Work on the development of low cost, high energy per unit area solar cell modules was conducted. Hexagonal solar cell and module efficiencies, module packing ratio, and solar cell design calculations were made. The cell grid structure and interconnection pattern was designed and the module substrates were fabricated for the three modules to be used. It was demonstrated that surface macrostructures significantly improve cell power output and photovoltaic energy conversion efficiency.
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The planar multijunction cell - A new solar cell for earth and space
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Evans, J. C., Jr.; Chai, A.-T.; Goradia, C.
1980-01-01
A new family of high-voltage solar cells, called the planar multijunction (PMJ) cell is being developed. The new cells combine the attractive features of planar cells with conventional or interdigitated back contacts and the vertical multijunction (VMJ) solar cell. The PMJ solar cell is internally divided into many voltage-generating regions, called unit cells, which are internally connected in series. The key to obtaining reasonable performance from this device was the separation of top surface field regions over each active unit cell area. Using existing solar cell fabricating methods, output voltages in excess of 20 volts per linear centimeter are possible. Analysis of the new device is complex, and numerous geometries are being studied which should provide substantial benefits in both normal sunlight usage as well as with concentrators.
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NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Anspaugh, B. E.; Downing, R. G.; Miyahira, T. F.; Weiss, R. S.
1981-01-01
Electrical characteristics of liquid phase epitaxy, P/N gallium aluminum arsenide solar cells are presented in graphical and tabular format as a function of solar illumination intensity and temperature. The solar cells were exposed to 1 MeV electron fluences of, respectively, 0, one hundred trillion, one quadrillion, and ten quadrillion e/sq cm.
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An interim report on the NTS-2 solar cell experiment
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Statler, R. L.; Walker, D. H.
1979-01-01
Data obtained from the fourteen solar cell modules on the NTS-2 satellite are presented together with a record of panel temperature and sun inclination. The following flight data are discussed: (1) state of the art solar cell configurations which embody improvements in solar cell efficiency through new silicon surface and bulk technology, (2) improved coverslip materials and coverslip bonding techniques, (3) short and long term effects of ultraviolet rejection filters vs. no filters on the cells, (4) degradation on a developmental type of liquid epitaxy gallium-aluminum-arsenide solar cell, and (5) space radiation effects.
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NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Bloch, J. T.; Hanger, R. T.; Nichols, F. W.
1979-01-01
Modified 70 mm movie film editor automatically attaches solar cells to flexible film substrate. Machine can rapidly and inexpensively assemble cells for solar panels at rate of 250 cells per minute. Further development is expected to boost production rate to 1000 cells per minute.
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Enhanced conversion efficiency in wide-bandgap GaNP solar cells
Sukrittanon, Supanee; Liu, Ren; Ro, Yun Goo; ...
2015-10-12
In this study, we demonstrate –2.05 eV dilute nitride GaNP solar cells on GaP substrates for potential use as the top junction in dual-junction integrated cells on Si. By adding a small amount of N into indirect-bandgap GaP, GaNP has several extremely important attributes: a direct-bandgap that is also tunable, and easily attained lattice-match with Si. Our best GaNP solar cell ([N] –1.8%, E g –2.05 eV) achieves an efficiency of 7.9%, even in the absence of a window layer. This GaNP solar cell's efficiency is 3× higher than the most efficient GaP solar cell to date and higher thanmore » other solar cells with similar direct bandgap (InGaP, GaAsP). Through a systematic study of the structural, electrical, and optical properties of the device, efficient broadband optical absorption and enhanced solar cell performance are demonstrated.« less
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Power management circuits for self-powered systems based on micro-scale solar energy harvesting
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Yoon, Eun-Jung; Yu, Chong-Gun
2016-03-01
In this paper, two types of power management circuits for self-powered systems based on micro-scale solar energy harvesting are proposed. First, if a solar cell outputs a very low voltage, less than 0.5 V, as in miniature solar cells or monolithic integrated solar cells, such that it cannot directly power the load, a voltage booster is employed to step up the solar cell's output voltage, and then a power management unit (PMU) delivers the boosted voltage to the load. Second, if the output voltage of a solar cell is enough to drive the load, the PMU directly supplies the load with solar energy. The proposed power management systems are designed and fabricated in a 0.18-μm complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor process, and their performances are compared and analysed through measurements.
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Recycling Perovskite Solar Cells To Avoid Lead Waste.
Binek, Andreas; Petrus, Michiel L; Huber, Niklas; Bristow, Helen; Hu, Yinghong; Bein, Thomas; Docampo, Pablo
2016-05-25
Methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) perovskite based solar cells have recently emerged as a serious competitor for large scale and low-cost photovoltaic technologies. However, since these solar cells contain toxic lead, a sustainable procedure for handling the cells after their operational lifetime is required to prevent exposure of the environment to lead and to comply with international electronic waste disposal regulations. Herein, we report a procedure to remove every layer of the solar cells separately, which gives the possibility to selectively isolate the different materials. Besides isolating the toxic lead iodide in high yield, we show that the PbI2 can be reused for the preparation of new solar cells with comparable performance and in this way avoid lead waste. Furthermore, we show that the most expensive part of the solar cell, the conductive glass (FTO), can be reused several times without any reduction in the performance of the devices. With our simple recycling procedure, we address both the risk of contamination and the waste disposal of perovskite based solar cells while further reducing the cost of the system. This brings perovskite solar cells one step closer to their introduction into commercial systems.
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Medium energy proton radiation damage to (AlGa)As-GaAs solar cells
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Loo, R. Y.; Kamath, G. S.; Knechtli, R. C.
1982-01-01
The performance of (AlGa)As-GaAs solar cells irradiated by medium energy 2, 5, and 10 MeV protons was evaluated. The Si cells without coverglass and a number of GaAs solar cells with 12 mil coverglass were irradiated simultaneously with bare GaAs cells. The cell degradation is directly related to the penetration of depth of protons with GaAs. The influence of periodic and continuous thermal annealing on the GaAs solar cells was investigated.
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Helioviewer.org: Browsing Very Large Image Archives Online Using JPEG 2000
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Hughitt, V. K.; Ireland, J.; Mueller, D.; Dimitoglou, G.; Garcia Ortiz, J.; Schmidt, L.; Wamsler, B.; Beck, J.; Alexanderian, A.; Fleck, B.
2009-12-01
As the amount of solar data available to scientists continues to increase at faster and faster rates, it is important that there exist simple tools for navigating this data quickly with a minimal amount of effort. By combining heterogeneous solar physics datatypes such as full-disk images and coronagraphs, along with feature and event information, Helioviewer offers a simple and intuitive way to browse multiple datasets simultaneously. Images are stored in a repository using the JPEG 2000 format and tiled dynamically upon a client's request. By tiling images and serving only the portions of the image requested, it is possible for the client to work with very large images without having to fetch all of the data at once. In addition to a focus on intercommunication with other virtual observatories and browsers (VSO, HEK, etc), Helioviewer will offer a number of externally-available application programming interfaces (APIs) to enable easy third party use, adoption and extension. Recent efforts have resulted in increased performance, dynamic movie generation, and improved support for mobile web browsers. Future functionality will include: support for additional data-sources including RHESSI, SDO, STEREO, and TRACE, a navigable timeline of recorded solar events, social annotation, and basic client-side image processing.
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NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Wise, J.
1979-01-01
Progress is reported in the following areas: laser weapon effects, solar silicon solar cell concepts, and high voltage hardened, high power system technology. Emphasis is placed on solar cells with increased energy conversion efficiency and radiation resistance characteristics for application to satellite power systems.
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Chairmanship of the Neptune/Pluto outer planets science working group
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Stern, S. Alan
1993-11-01
The Outer Planets Science Working Group (OPSWG) is the NASA Solar System Exploration Division (SSED) scientific steering committee for the Outer Solar System missions. OPSWG consists of 19 members and is chaired by Dr. S. Alan Stern. This proposal summarizes the FY93 activities of OPSWG, describes a set of objectives for OPSWG in FY94, and outlines the SWG's activities for FY95. As chair of OPSWG, Dr. Stern will be responsible for: organizing priorities, setting agendas, conducting meetings of the Outer Planets SWG; reporting the results of OPSWG's work to SSED; supporting those activities relating to OPSWG work, such as briefings to the SSES, COMPLEX, and OSS; supporting the JPL/SAIC Pluto study team; and other tasks requested by SSED. As the Scientific Working Group (SWG) for Jupiter and the planets beyond, OPSWG is the SSED SWG chartered to study and develop mission plans for all missions to the giant planets, Pluto, and other distant objects in the remote outer solar system. In that role, OPSWG is responsible for: defining and prioritizing scientific objectives for missions to these bodies; defining and documenting the scientific goals and rationale behind such missions; defining and prioritizing the datasets to be obtained in these missions; defining and prioritizing measurement objectives for these missions; defining and documenting the scientific rationale for strawman instrument payloads; defining and prioritizing the scientific requirements for orbital tour and flyby encounter trajectories; defining cruise science opportunities plan; providing technical feedback to JPL and SSED on the scientific capabilities of engineering studies for these missions; providing documentation to SSED concerning the scientific goals, objectives, and rationale for the mission; interfacing with other SSED and OSS committees at the request of SSED's Director or those committee chairs; providing input to SSED concerning the structure and content of the Announcement of Opportunity for payload and scientific team selection for such missions; and providing other technical or programmatic inputs concerning outer solar system missions at the request of the Director of SSED.
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Chairmanship of the Neptune/Pluto outer planets science working group
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Stern, S. Alan
1993-01-01
The Outer Planets Science Working Group (OPSWG) is the NASA Solar System Exploration Division (SSED) scientific steering committee for the Outer Solar System missions. OPSWG consists of 19 members and is chaired by Dr. S. Alan Stern. This proposal summarizes the FY93 activities of OPSWG, describes a set of objectives for OPSWG in FY94, and outlines the SWG's activities for FY95. As chair of OPSWG, Dr. Stern will be responsible for: organizing priorities, setting agendas, conducting meetings of the Outer Planets SWG; reporting the results of OPSWG's work to SSED; supporting those activities relating to OPSWG work, such as briefings to the SSES, COMPLEX, and OSS; supporting the JPL/SAIC Pluto study team; and other tasks requested by SSED. As the Scientific Working Group (SWG) for Jupiter and the planets beyond, OPSWG is the SSED SWG chartered to study and develop mission plans for all missions to the giant planets, Pluto, and other distant objects in the remote outer solar system. In that role, OPSWG is responsible for: defining and prioritizing scientific objectives for missions to these bodies; defining and documenting the scientific goals and rationale behind such missions; defining and prioritizing the datasets to be obtained in these missions; defining and prioritizing measurement objectives for these missions; defining and documenting the scientific rationale for strawman instrument payloads; defining and prioritizing the scientific requirements for orbital tour and flyby encounter trajectories; defining cruise science opportunities plan; providing technical feedback to JPL and SSED on the scientific capabilities of engineering studies for these missions; providing documentation to SSED concerning the scientific goals, objectives, and rationale for the mission; interfacing with other SSED and OSS committees at the request of SSED's Director or those committee chairs; providing input to SSED concerning the structure and content of the Announcement of Opportunity for payload and scientific team selection for such missions; and providing other technical or programmatic inputs concerning outer solar system missions at the request of the Director of SSED.
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GaAs/Ge solar panels for the SAMPEX program
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Dobson, Rodney; Kukulka, Jerry; Dakermanji, George; Roufberg, Lew; Ahmad, Anisa; Lyons, John
1992-01-01
GaAs based solar cells have been developed for spacecraft use for several years. However, acceptance and application of these cells for spacecraft missions has been slow because of their high cost and concerns about their integration onto solar panels. Spectrolab has now completed fabrication of solar panels with GaAs/Ge solar cells for a second space program. This paper will focus on the design, fabrication and test of GaAs/Ge solar panels for the Solar Anomalous and Magnetospheric Particle Explorer (SAMPEX) Program.
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NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Costogue, E. N.; Young, L. E.; Brandhorst, H. W., Jr.
1978-01-01
Development efforts are reported in detail for: (1) a lightweight solar array system for solar electric propulsion; (2) a high efficiency thin silicon solar cell; (3) conceptual design of 200 W/kg solar arrays; (4) fluorocarbon encapsulation for silicon solar cell array; and (5) technology assessment of concentrator solar arrays.
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Materials and Devices | Photovoltaic Research | NREL
Polycrystalline Thin-Film PV Cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar cells Copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) solar cells Perovskite and Organic PV Perovskite solar cells Perovskite Patent Portfolio Organic PV (OPV ) solar cells Advanced Materials, Devices, and Concepts We explore new PV materials using high-throughput
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2012-05-25
... into modules (``solar cells''), from the People's Republic of China (``PRC'') are being, or are likely... a petition concerning imports of solar cells from the PRC filed in proper form by SolarWorld...'') duty investigation of solar cells from the PRC on November 8, 2011.\\3\\ \\1\\ See Petition for the...
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2011-11-16
... modules (solar cells), from the People's Republic of China (PRC) filed in proper form by SolarWorld...), Petitioner alleges that producers/exporters of solar cells from the PRC received countervailable subsidies... the scope of this investigation are solar cells from the PRC. For a full description of the scope of...
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Flexible thermal cycle test equipment for concentrator solar cells
Hebert, Peter H [Glendale, CA; Brandt, Randolph J [Palmdale, CA
2012-06-19
A system and method for performing thermal stress testing of photovoltaic solar cells is presented. The system and method allows rapid testing of photovoltaic solar cells under controllable thermal conditions. The system and method presents a means of rapidly applying thermal stresses to one or more photovoltaic solar cells in a consistent and repeatable manner.
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Methods For Improving Polymeric Materials For Use In Solar Cell Applications
Hanoka, Jack I.
2003-07-01
A method of manufacturing a solar cell module includes the use of low cost polymeric materials with improved mechanical properties. A transparent encapsulant layer is placed adjacent a rear surface of a front support layer. Interconnected solar cells are positioned adjacent a rear surface of the transparent encapsulant layer to form a solar cell assembly. A backskin layer is placed adjacent a rear surface of the solar cell assembly. At least one of the transparent encapsulant layer and the backskin layer are predisposed to electron beam radiation.
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Methods For Improving Polymeric Materials For Use In Solar Cell Applications
Hanoka, Jack I.
2001-11-20
A method of manufacturing a solar cell module includes the use of low cost polymeric materials with improved mechanical properties. A transparent encapsulant layer is placed adjacent a rear surface of a front support layer. Interconnected solar cells are positioned adjacent a rear surface of the transparent encapsulant layer to form a solar cell assembly. A backskin layer is placed adjacent a rear surface of the solar cell assembly. At least one of the transparent encapsulant layer and the backskin layer are predisposed to electron beam radiation.
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Testing of gallium arsenide solar cells on the CRRES vehicle
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Trumble, T. M.
1985-01-01
A flight experiment was designed to determine the optimum design for gallium arsenide (GaAs) solar cell panels in a radiation environment. Elements of the experiment design include, different coverglass material and thicknesses, welded and soldered interconnects, different solar cell efficiencies, different solar cell types, and measurement of annealing properties. This experiment is scheduled to fly on the Combined Release and Radiation Effects Satellite (CRRES). This satellite will simultaneously measure the radiation environment and provide engineering data on solar cell degradation that can be directly related to radiation damage.
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High efficiency thin-film GaAs solar cells
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Stirn, R. J.
1977-01-01
Several oxidation techniques are discussed which have been found to increase the open circuit (V sub oc) of metal-GaAs Schottky barrier solar cells, the oxide chemistry, attempts to measure surface state parameters, the evolving characteristics of the solar cell as background contamination (has been decreased, but not eliminated), results of focused Nd/YAG laser beam recrystallization of Ge films evaporated onto tungsten, and studies of AMOS solar cells fabricated on sliced polycrystalline GaAs wafers. Also discussed are projected materials availability and costs for GaAs thin-film solar cells.
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Design and Photovoltaic Properties of Graphene/Silicon Solar Cell
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Xu, Dikai; Yu, Xuegong; Yang, Lifei; Yang, Deren
2018-04-01
Graphene/silicon (Gr/Si) Schottky junction solar cells have attracted widespread attention for the fabrication of high-efficiency and low-cost solar cells. However, their performance is still limited by the working principles of Schottky junctions. Modulating the working mechanism of the solar cells into a quasi p-n junction has advantages, including higher open-circuit voltage (V OC) and less carrier recombination. In this study, Gr/Si quasi p-n junction solar cells were formed by inserting a tunneling Al2O3 interlayer in-between graphene and silicon, which led to obtain the PCE up to 8.48% without antireflection or chemical doping techniques. Our findings could pave a new way for the development of Gr/Si solar cells.
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NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Anspaugh, B. E.; Downing, R. G.; Sidwell, L. B.
1985-01-01
The Solar Cell Calibration Facility (SCCF) experiment was designed and built to evaluate the effect of the Earth's upper atmosphere on the calibration of solar cell standards. During execution of the experiment, a collection of carefully selected solar cells was flown on the shuttle, and reflown on a high-altitude balloon, then their outputs were compared. After correction to standard temperature and intensity values of 28 C and an Earth-Sun distance of 1 AU, the solar cell outputs during the two flights were found to be identical. The conclusion is therefore that the high-altitude balloon flights are very good vehicles for calibrating solar cells for use as space flight reference standards.
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Photovoltaic Engineering Testbed Designed for Calibrating Photovoltaic Devices in Space
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Landis, Geoffrey A.
2002-01-01
Accurate prediction of the performance of solar arrays in space requires that the cells be tested in comparison with a space-flown standard. Recognizing that improvements in future solar cell technology will require an ever-increasing fidelity of standards, the Photovoltaics and Space Environment Branch at the NASA Glenn Research Center, in collaboration with the Ohio Aerospace Institute, designed a prototype facility to allow routine calibration, measurement, and qualification of solar cells on the International Space Station, and then the return of the cells to Earth for laboratory use. For solar cell testing, the Photovoltaic Engineering Testbed (PET) site provides a true air-mass-zero (AM0) solar spectrum. This allows solar cells to be accurately calibrated using the full spectrum of the Sun.
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Jain, Nikhil; Geisz, John F.; France, Ryan M.; ...
2017-02-08
Quaternary GaInAsP solar cells with a bandgap of ~1.7 eV offer an attractive Al-free alternative to AlGaAs solar cells for integration in next generation of III-V multijunction solar cells with five or more junctions. Development of a high quality 1.7 eV solar cell is also highly sought for III-V/Si tandem solar cells. In this work, we systematically investigate the impact of varying base thicknesses and doping concentrations on the carrier collection and performance of 1.7 eV GaInAsP solar cells. The photoresponse of these cells is found to be very sensitive to p-type zinc doping concentration in the base layer. Prototypemore » 1.7 eV GaInAsP n-i-p solar cell designs are demonstrated that leverage enhanced depletion width as an effective method to achieve peak quantum efficiency exceeding 90%. We also show the importance of optimal i-layer thickness as a critical parameter to reduce the drop in fill-factor (FF) due to field-aided collection. Furthermore, we demonstrate substantial improvement in the cell performance when the GaInAsP base layer is grown at 650 degrees C instead of 600 degrees C. The best GaInAsP solar cell (Eg ~ 1.65 eV) in this study achieved JSC of 21.1 mA/cm 2, VOC of 1.18 V, FF of 83.8%, and an efficiency of 20.8 +/- 1% under AM1.5D spectrum (21.5 +/- 1% under AM1.5G spectrum). Finally, these results highlight the potential of Al-free GaInAsP solar cells for integration in the next generation of III-V multijunction solar cells.« less
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DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Jain, Nikhil; Geisz, John F.; France, Ryan M.
Quaternary GaInAsP solar cells with a bandgap of ~1.7 eV offer an attractive Al-free alternative to AlGaAs solar cells for integration in next generation of III-V multijunction solar cells with five or more junctions. Development of a high quality 1.7 eV solar cell is also highly sought for III-V/Si tandem solar cells. In this work, we systematically investigate the impact of varying base thicknesses and doping concentrations on the carrier collection and performance of 1.7 eV GaInAsP solar cells. The photoresponse of these cells is found to be very sensitive to p-type zinc doping concentration in the base layer. Prototypemore » 1.7 eV GaInAsP n-i-p solar cell designs are demonstrated that leverage enhanced depletion width as an effective method to achieve peak quantum efficiency exceeding 90%. We also show the importance of optimal i-layer thickness as a critical parameter to reduce the drop in fill-factor (FF) due to field-aided collection. Furthermore, we demonstrate substantial improvement in the cell performance when the GaInAsP base layer is grown at 650 degrees C instead of 600 degrees C. The best GaInAsP solar cell (Eg ~ 1.65 eV) in this study achieved JSC of 21.1 mA/cm 2, VOC of 1.18 V, FF of 83.8%, and an efficiency of 20.8 +/- 1% under AM1.5D spectrum (21.5 +/- 1% under AM1.5G spectrum). Finally, these results highlight the potential of Al-free GaInAsP solar cells for integration in the next generation of III-V multijunction solar cells.« less
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Multi-crystalline II-VI based multijunction solar cells and modules
Hardin, Brian E.; Connor, Stephen T.; Groves, James R.; Peters, Craig H.
2015-06-30
Multi-crystalline group II-VI solar cells and methods for fabrication of same are disclosed herein. A multi-crystalline group II-VI solar cell includes a first photovoltaic sub-cell comprising silicon, a tunnel junction, and a multi-crystalline second photovoltaic sub-cell. A plurality of the multi-crystalline group II-VI solar cells can be interconnected to form low cost, high throughput flat panel, low light concentration, and/or medium light concentration photovoltaic modules or devices.
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Development of a Thin-Film Solar Cell Interconnect for the Powersphere Concept
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Simburger, Edward J.; Matsumoto, James H.; Giants, Thomas W.; Garcia, Alexander, III; Liu, Simon; Rawal, Suraj P.; Perry, Alan R.; Marshall, Craig; Lin, John K.; Scarborough, Stephen E.
2005-01-01
Dual junction amorphous silicon (a-Si) solar cells produced on polyimide substrate have been selected as the best candidate to produce a lightweight solar array for the PowerSphere program. The PowerSphere concept features a space-inflatable, geodetic solar array approximately 0.6 meters in diameter and capable of generating about 20W of electrical power. Trade studies of various wiring concepts and connection methods led to an interconnect design with a copper contact that wraps around the edge, to the back of the solar cell. Applying Plasma Vapor Deposited (PVD) copper film to both sides and the edge of the solar cell produces the wrap around contact. This procedure results in a contact pad on the back of the solar cell, which is then laser welded to a flex circuit material. The flex circuit is constructed of copper in a custom designed routing pattern, and then sandwiched in a Kapton insulation layer. The flex circuit then serves as the primary power distribution system between the solar cells and the spacecraft. Flex circuit material is the best candidate for the wiring harness because it allows for low force deployment of the solar cells by the inflatable hinges on the PowerSphere. An additional frame structure, fabricated and assembled by ILC Dover, will reinforce the wrap around contact-flex blanket connection, thus providing a mechanically robust solar cell interconnect for the PowerSphere multifunctional program. The PowerSphere team will use the wraparound contact design approach as the primary solution for solar cell integration and the flex blanket for power distribution.
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2017-12-04
34High-Concentration III-V Multijunction Solar Cells," 2017, <http://www.nrel.gov/ pv /high-concentration-iii-v-multijunction- solar - cells.html>. O. K...AFRL-RV-PS- AFRL-RV-PS- TR-2017-0174 TR-2017-0174 ELECTRODEPOSITION OF METAL MATRIX COMPOSITES AND MATERIALS CHARACTERIZATION FOR THIN-FILM SOLAR ...0242 Electrodeposition of Metal Matrix Composites and Materials Characterization for Thin-Film Solar Cells 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT
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Progress in Tandem Solar Cells Based on Hybrid Organic-Inorganic Perovskites
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Chen, Bo; Zheng, Xiaopeng; Bai, Yang
Owing to their high efficiency, low-cost solution-processability, and tunable bandgap, perovskite solar cells (PSCs) made of hybrid organic-inorganic perovskite (HOIP) thin films are promising top-cell candidates for integration with bottom-cells based on Si or other low-bandgap solar-cell materials to boost the power conversion efficiency (PCE) beyond the Shockley-Quiesser (S-Q) limit. In this review, recent progress in such tandem solar cells based on the emerging PSCs is summarized and reviewed critically. Notable achievements for different tandem solar cell configurations including mechanically-stacked, optical coupling, and monolithically-integrated with PSCs as top-cells are described in detail. Highly-efficient semitransparent PSC top-cells with high transmittance inmore » near-infrared (NIR) region are critical for tandem solar cells. Different types of transparent electrodes with high transmittance and low sheet-resistance for PSCs are reviewed, which presents a grand challenge for PSCs. The strategies to obtain wide-bandgap PSCs with good photo-stability are discussed. In conclusion, the PCE reduction due to reflection loss, parasitic absorption, electrical loss, and current mismatch are analyzed to provide better understanding of the performance of PSC-based tandem solar cells.« less
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Progress in Tandem Solar Cells Based on Hybrid Organic-Inorganic Perovskites
Chen, Bo; Zheng, Xiaopeng; Bai, Yang; ...
2017-03-06
Owing to their high efficiency, low-cost solution-processability, and tunable bandgap, perovskite solar cells (PSCs) made of hybrid organic-inorganic perovskite (HOIP) thin films are promising top-cell candidates for integration with bottom-cells based on Si or other low-bandgap solar-cell materials to boost the power conversion efficiency (PCE) beyond the Shockley-Quiesser (S-Q) limit. In this review, recent progress in such tandem solar cells based on the emerging PSCs is summarized and reviewed critically. Notable achievements for different tandem solar cell configurations including mechanically-stacked, optical coupling, and monolithically-integrated with PSCs as top-cells are described in detail. Highly-efficient semitransparent PSC top-cells with high transmittance inmore » near-infrared (NIR) region are critical for tandem solar cells. Different types of transparent electrodes with high transmittance and low sheet-resistance for PSCs are reviewed, which presents a grand challenge for PSCs. The strategies to obtain wide-bandgap PSCs with good photo-stability are discussed. In conclusion, the PCE reduction due to reflection loss, parasitic absorption, electrical loss, and current mismatch are analyzed to provide better understanding of the performance of PSC-based tandem solar cells.« less
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A micro-sized bio-solar cell for self-sustaining power generation.
Lee, Hankeun; Choi, Seokheun
2015-01-21
Self-sustainable energy sources are essential for a wide array of wireless applications deployed in remote field locations. Due to their self-assembling and self-repairing properties, "biological solar (bio-solar) cells" are recently gaining attention for those applications. The bio-solar cell can continuously generate electricity from microbial photosynthetic and respiratory activities under day-night cycles. Despite the vast potential and promise of bio-solar cells, they, however, have not yet successfully been translated into commercial applications, as they possess persistent performance limitations and scale-up bottlenecks. Here, we report an entirely self-sustainable and scalable microliter-sized bio-solar cell with significant power enhancement by maximizing solar energy capture, bacterial attachment, and air bubble volume in well-controlled microchambers. The bio-solar cell has a ~300 μL single chamber defined by laser-machined poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) substrates and it uses an air cathode to allow freely available oxygen to act as an electron acceptor. We generated a maximum power density of 0.9 mW m(-2) through photosynthetic reactions of cyanobacteria, Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, which is the highest power density among all micro-sized bio-solar cells.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Lv, Zhibin; Yu, Jiefeng; Wu, Hongwei; Shang, Jian; Wang, Dan; Hou, Shaocong; Fu, Yongping; Wu, Kai; Zou, Dechun
2012-02-01
A type of highly efficient completely flexible fiber-shaped solar cell based on TiO2 nanotube array is successfully prepared. Under air mass 1.5G (100 mW cm-2) illumination conditions, the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the solar cell approaches 7%, the highest among all fiber-shaped cells based on TiO2 nanotube arrays and the first completely flexible fiber-shaped DSSC. The fiber-shaped solar cell demonstrates good flexibility, which makes it suitable for modularization using weaving technologies.A type of highly efficient completely flexible fiber-shaped solar cell based on TiO2 nanotube array is successfully prepared. Under air mass 1.5G (100 mW cm-2) illumination conditions, the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the solar cell approaches 7%, the highest among all fiber-shaped cells based on TiO2 nanotube arrays and the first completely flexible fiber-shaped DSSC. The fiber-shaped solar cell demonstrates good flexibility, which makes it suitable for modularization using weaving technologies. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c2nr11532h
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Song, Pei; Jiang, Chun
2013-05-01
The effect on photoelectric conversion efficiency of an a-Si-based solar cell by applying a solar spectral downshifter of rare earth ion Ce3+ single-doped complexes including yttrium aluminum garnet Y3Al5O12 single crystals, nanostructured ceramics, microstructured ceramics and B2O3-SiO2-Gd2O3-BaO glass is studied. The photoluminescence excitation spectra in the region 360-460 nm convert effectively into photoluminescence emission spectra in the region 450-550 nm where a-Si-based solar cells exhibit a higher spectral response. When these Ce3+ single-doped complexes are placed on the top of an a-Si-based solar cell as precursors for solar spectral downshifting, theoretical relative photoelectric conversion efficiencies of nc-Si:H and a-Si:H solar cells approach 1.09-1.13 and 1.04-1.07, respectively, by means of AMPS-1D numerical modeling, potentially benefiting an a-Si-based solar cell with a photoelectric efficiency improvement.
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Demonstration of the feasibility of automated silicon solar cell fabrication
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Taylor, W. E.; Schwartz, F. M.
1975-01-01
A study effort was undertaken to determine the process, steps and design requirements of an automated silicon solar cell production facility. Identification of the key process steps was made and a laboratory model was conceptually designed to demonstrate the feasibility of automating the silicon solar cell fabrication process. A detailed laboratory model was designed to demonstrate those functions most critical to the question of solar cell fabrication process automating feasibility. The study and conceptual design have established the technical feasibility of automating the solar cell manufacturing process to produce low cost solar cells with improved performance. Estimates predict an automated process throughput of 21,973 kilograms of silicon a year on a three shift 49-week basis, producing 4,747,000 hexagonal cells (38mm/side), a total of 3,373 kilowatts at an estimated manufacturing cost of $0.866 per cell or $1.22 per watt.
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Fang, Jia; Liu, Bofei; Zhao, Ying; Zhang, Xiaodan
2014-08-22
Introducing light trapping structures into thin-film solar cells has the potential to enhance their solar energy harvesting as well as the performance of the cells; however, current strategies have been focused mainly on harvesting photons without considering the light re-escaping from cells in two-dimensional scales. The lateral out-coupled solar energy loss from the marginal areas of cells has reduced the electrical yield indeed. We therefore herein propose a lateral light trapping structure (LLTS) as a means of improving the light-harvesting capacity and performance of cells, achieving a 13.07% initial efficiency and greatly improved current output of a-Si:H single-junction solar cell based on this architecture. Given the unique transparency characteristics of thin-film solar cells, this proposed architecture has great potential for integration into the windows of buildings, microelectronics and other applications requiring transparent components.
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All-Weather Solar Cells: A Rising Photovoltaic Revolution.
Tang, Qunwei
2017-06-16
Solar cells have been considered as one of the foremost solutions to energy and environmental problems because of clean, high efficiency, cost-effective, and inexhaustible features. The historical development and state-of-the-art solar cells mainly focus on elevating photoelectric conversion efficiency upon direct sunlight illumination. It is still a challenging problem to realize persistent high-efficiency power generation in rainy, foggy, haze, and dark-light conditions (night). The physical proof-of-concept for all-weather solar cells opens a door for an upcoming photovoltaic revolution. Our group has been exploring constructive routes to build all-weather solar cells so that these advanced photovoltaic technologies can be an indication for global solar industry in bringing down the cost of energy harvesting. How the all-weather solar cells are built without reducing photo performances and why such architectures can realize electricity outputs with no visible-light are discussed. Potential pathways and opportunities to enrich all-weather solar cell families are envisaged. The aspects discussed here may enable researchers to develop undiscovered abilities and to explore wide applications of advanced photovoltaics. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.
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Recovery of shallow junction GaAs solar cells damaged by electron irradiation
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Walker, G. H.; Conway, E. J.
1978-01-01
Solar cells operated in space are subject to degradation from electron and proton radiation damage. It has been found that for deep junction p-GaAlAs/p-GaAs solar cells some of the electron radiation damage is removed by annealing the cells at 200 C. The reported investigation shows that shallow junction p-GaAlAs/p-GaAs/n-GaAs heteroface solar cells irradiated with 1 MeV electrons show a more complete recovery of short-circuit current than do the deep junction cells. The heteroface p-GaAlAs/p-GaAs/n-GaAs solar cells studied were fabricated using the etch-back epitaxy process.
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Recyclable organic solar cells on cellulose nanocrystal substrates
Zhou, Yinhua; Fuentes-Hernandez, Canek; Khan, Talha M.; Liu, Jen-Chieh; Hsu, James; Shim, Jae Won; Dindar, Amir; Youngblood, Jeffrey P.; Moon, Robert J.; Kippelen, Bernard
2013-01-01
Solar energy is potentially the largest source of renewable energy at our disposal, but significant advances are required to make photovoltaic technologies economically viable and, from a life-cycle perspective, environmentally friendly, and consequently scalable. Cellulose nanomaterials are emerging high-value nanoparticles extracted from plants that are abundant, renewable, and sustainable. Here, we report on the first demonstration of efficient polymer solar cells fabricated on optically transparent cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) substrates. The solar cells fabricated on the CNC substrates display good rectification in the dark and reach a power conversion efficiency of 2.7%. In addition, we demonstrate that these solar cells can be easily separated and recycled into their major components using low-energy processes at room temperature, opening the door for a truly recyclable solar cell technology. Efficient and easily recyclable organic solar cells on CNC substrates are expected to be an attractive technology for sustainable, scalable, and environmentally-friendly energy production. PMID:23524333
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Nanoimprint-Transfer-Patterned Solids Enhance Light Absorption in Colloidal Quantum Dot Solar Cells.
Kim, Younghoon; Bicanic, Kristopher; Tan, Hairen; Ouellette, Olivier; Sutherland, Brandon R; García de Arquer, F Pelayo; Jo, Jea Woong; Liu, Mengxia; Sun, Bin; Liu, Min; Hoogland, Sjoerd; Sargent, Edward H
2017-04-12
Colloidal quantum dot (CQD) materials are of interest in thin-film solar cells due to their size-tunable bandgap and low-cost solution-processing. However, CQD solar cells suffer from inefficient charge extraction over the film thicknesses required for complete absorption of solar light. Here we show a new strategy to enhance light absorption in CQD solar cells by nanostructuring the CQD film itself at the back interface. We use two-dimensional finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations to study quantitatively the light absorption enhancement in nanostructured back interfaces in CQD solar cells. We implement this experimentally by demonstrating a nanoimprint-transfer-patterning (NTP) process for the fabrication of nanostructured CQD solids with highly ordered patterns. We show that this approach enables a boost in the power conversion efficiency in CQD solar cells primarily due to an increase in short-circuit current density as a result of enhanced absorption through light-trapping.
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Recyclable organic solar cells on cellulose nanocrystal substrates.
Zhou, Yinhua; Fuentes-Hernandez, Canek; Khan, Talha M; Liu, Jen-Chieh; Hsu, James; Shim, Jae Won; Dindar, Amir; Youngblood, Jeffrey P; Moon, Robert J; Kippelen, Bernard
2013-01-01
Solar energy is potentially the largest source of renewable energy at our disposal, but significant advances are required to make photovoltaic technologies economically viable and, from a life-cycle perspective, environmentally friendly, and consequently scalable. Cellulose nanomaterials are emerging high-value nanoparticles extracted from plants that are abundant, renewable, and sustainable. Here, we report on the first demonstration of efficient polymer solar cells fabricated on optically transparent cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) substrates. The solar cells fabricated on the CNC substrates display good rectification in the dark and reach a power conversion efficiency of 2.7%. In addition, we demonstrate that these solar cells can be easily separated and recycled into their major components using low-energy processes at room temperature, opening the door for a truly recyclable solar cell technology. Efficient and easily recyclable organic solar cells on CNC substrates are expected to be an attractive technology for sustainable, scalable, and environmentally-friendly energy production.
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Cotton-textile-enabled flexible self-sustaining power packs via roll-to-roll fabrication
Gao, Zan; Bumgardner, Clifton; Song, Ningning; Zhang, Yunya; Li, Jingjing; Li, Xiaodong
2016-01-01
With rising energy concerns, efficient energy conversion and storage devices are required to provide a sustainable, green energy supply. Solar cells hold promise as energy conversion devices due to their utilization of readily accessible solar energy; however, the output of solar cells can be non-continuous and unstable. Therefore, it is necessary to combine solar cells with compatible energy storage devices to realize a stable power supply. To this end, supercapacitors, highly efficient energy storage devices, can be integrated with solar cells to mitigate the power fluctuations. Here, we report on the development of a solar cell-supercapacitor hybrid device as a solution to this energy requirement. A high-performance, cotton-textile-enabled asymmetric supercapacitor is integrated with a flexible solar cell via a scalable roll-to-roll manufacturing approach to fabricate a self-sustaining power pack, demonstrating its potential to continuously power future electronic devices. PMID:27189776
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High performance a-Si solar cells and new fabrication methods for a-Si solar cells
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Nakano, S.; Kuwano, Y.; Ohnishi, M.
1986-12-01
The super chamber, a separated UHV reaction-chamber system has been developed. A conversion efficiency of 11.7% was obtained for an a-Si solar cell using a high-quality i-layer deposited by the super chamber, and a p-layer fabricated by a photo-CVD method. As a new material, amorphous superlattice-structure films were fabricated by the photo-CVD method for the first time. Superlattice structure p-layer a-Si solar cells were fabricated, and a conversion efficiency of 10.5% was obtained. For the fabrication of integrated type a-Si solar cell modules, a laser pattering method was investigated. A thermal analysis of the multilayer structure was done. It was confirmed that selective scribing for a-Si, TCO and metal film is possible by controlling the laser power density. Recently developed a-Si solar power generation systems and a-Si solar cell roofing tiles are also described.
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NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Forestieri, A. F.; Ratajczak, A. F.; Sidorak, L. G. (Inventor)
1977-01-01
A solar cell shingle was made of an array of solar cells on a lower portion of a substantially rectangular shingle substrate made of fiberglass cloth or the like. The solar cells may be encapsulated in flourinated ethylene propylene or some other weatherproof translucent or transparent encapsulant to form a combined electrical module and a roof shingle. The interconnected solar cells were connected to connectors at the edge of the substrate through a connection to a common electrical bus or busses. An overlap area was arranged to receive the overlap of a cooperating similar shingle so that the cell portion of the cooperating shingle may overlie the overlap area of the roof shingle. Accordingly, the same shingle serves the double function of an ordinary roof shingle which may be applied in the usual way and an array of cooperating solar cells from which electrical energy may be collected.
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Laser beam apparatus and method for analyzing solar cells
Staebler, David L.
1980-01-01
A laser beam apparatus and method for analyzing, inter alia, the current versus voltage curve at the point of illumination on a solar cell and the open circuit voltage of a solar cell. The apparatus incorporates a lock-in amplifier, and a laser beam light chopper which permits the measurement of the AC current of the solar cell at an applied DC voltage at the position on the solar cell where the cell is illuminated and a feedback scheme which permits the direct scanning measurements of the open circuit voltage. The accuracy of the measurement is a function of the intensity and wavelength of the laser light with respect to the intensity and wavelength distribution of sunlight and the percentage the dark current is at the open circuit voltage to the short circuit current of the solar cell.
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Exploiting absorption-induced self-heating in solar cells (Conference Presentation)
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Ullbrich, Sascha; Fischer, Axel; Erdenebileg, Enkhtur; Koerner, Christian; Reineke, Sebastian; Leo, Karl; Vandewal, Koen
2017-04-01
Absorption of light inevitably leads to a self-heating of each type of solar cell, either due to the excess energy of absorbed photons or non-radiative recombination of charge carriers. Although the effect of temperature on solar cell parameters such as the open-circuit voltage are well known, it is often ignored in Suns-Voc measurements [1]. This measurement technique enables direct access to the diode ideality factor without an influence by series resistance. A frequently seen decrease of the ideality factor or a saturation of the open-circuit voltage at high illumination intensities is often attributed solely to surface recombination [2], the shape of the density of states (DOS) [3], or the quality of the back contact in inorganic solar cells [4]. In this work, we present an analytical model for taking into account absorption induced self-heating in Suns-Voc measurements and validate it for various solar cell technologies such as small molecule organic solar cells, perovskite solar cells, and inorganic solar cells. Furthermore, with an adapted Suns-Voc technique, we are able to not only correctly determine the ideality factor, but also the relevant energy gap of the solar cell, which is especially of interest in the field of novel solar cell technologies. [1] R.A. Sinton and A. Cuevas, EU PVSEC, 1152-1155 (2000) [2] K. Tvingstedt and C. Deibel, Adv. Energy Mater. 6, 1502230 (2016) [3] T. Kirchartz and J. Nelson, Phys. Rev. B 86, 165201 (2012) [4] S. Glunz, J. Nekarda, H. Maeckel et al., EU PVSEC, 849-853 (2007)
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Indium Phosphide Window Layers for Indium Gallium Arsenide Solar Cells
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Jain, Raj K.
2005-01-01
Window layers help in reducing the surface recombination at the emitter surface of the solar cells resulting in significant improvement in energy conversion efficiency. Indium gallium arsenide (In(x)Ga(1-x)As) and related materials based solar cells are quite promising for photovoltaic and thermophotovoltaic applications. The flexibility of the change in the bandgap energy and the growth of InGaAs on different substrates make this material very attractive for multi-bandgap energy, multi-junction solar cell approaches. The high efficiency and better radiation performance of the solar cell structures based on InGaAs make them suitable for space power applications. This work investigates the suitability of indium phosphide (InP) window layers for lattice-matched In(0.53)Ga(0.47)As (bandgap energy 0.74 eV) solar cells. We present the first data on the effects of the p-type InP window layer on p-on-n lattice-matched InGaAs solar cells. The modeled quantum efficiency results show a significant improvement in the blue region with the InP window. The bare InGaAs solar cell performance suffers due to high surface recombination velocity (10(exp 7) cm/s). The large band discontinuity at the InP/InGaAs heterojunction offers a great potential barrier to minority carriers. The calculated results demonstrate that the InP window layer effectively passivates the solar cell front surface, hence resulting in reduced surface recombination and therefore, significantly improving the performance of the InGaAs solar cell.
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Application of carbon nanotubes in perovskite solar cells: A review
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Oo, Thet Tin; Debnath, Sujan
2017-11-01
Solar power, as alternative renewable energy source, has gained momentum in global energy generation in recent time. Solar photovoltaics (PV) systems now fulfill a significant portion of electricity demand and the capacity of solar PV capacity is growing every year. PV cells efficiency has improved significantly following decades of research, evolving into third generations of PV cells. These third generation PV cells are set out to provide low-cost and efficient PV systems, further improving the commercial competitiveness of solar energy generation. Among these latest generations of PV cells, perovskite solar cells have gained attraction due to the simple manufacturing process and the immense growth in PV efficiency in a short period of research and development. Despite these advantages, perovskite solar cells are known for the weak stability and decomposition in exposure to humidity and high temperature, hindering the possibility of commercialization. This paper will discuss the role of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in improving the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells, in various components such as perovskite layer and hole transport layer, as well as the application of CNTs in unique aspects. These includes the use of CNTs fiber in making the perovskite solar cells flexible, as well as simplification of perovskite PV production by using CNT flash evaporation printing process. Despite these advances, challenges remain in incorporation CNTs into perovskite such as lower conversion efficiency compared to rare earth metals and improvements need to be made. Thus, the paper will be also highlighting the CNTs materials suggested for further research and improvement of perovskite solar cells.
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Highly efficient single-junction GaAs thin-film solar cell on flexible substrate.
Moon, Sunghyun; Kim, Kangho; Kim, Youngjo; Heo, Junseok; Lee, Jaejin
2016-07-20
There has been much interest in developing a thin-film solar cell because it is lightweight and flexible. The GaAs thin-film solar cell is a top contender in the thin-film solar cell market in that it has a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) compared to that of other thin-film solar cells. There are two common structures for the GaAs solar cell: n (emitter)-on-p (base) and p-on-n. The former performs better due to its high collection efficiency because the electron diffusion length of the p-type base region is much longer than the hole diffusion length of the n-type base region. However, it has been limited to fabricate highly efficient n-on-p single-junction GaAs thin film solar cell on a flexible substrate due to technical obstacles. We investigated a simple and fast epitaxial lift-off (ELO) method that uses a stress originating from a Cr/Au bilayer on a 125-μm-thick flexible substrate. A metal combination of AuBe/Pt/Au is employed as a new p-type ohmic contact with which an n-on-p single-junction GaAs thin-film solar cell on flexible substrate was successfully fabricated. The PCE of the fabricated single-junction GaAs thin-film solar cells reached 22.08% under air mass 1.5 global illumination.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Sahin, Mehmet
2018-05-01
In this study, the effects of the shell material and confinement type on the conversion efficiency of core/shell quantum dot nanocrystal (QDNC) solar cells have been investigated in detail. For this purpose, the conventional, i.e. original, detailed balance model, developed by Shockley and Queisser to calculate an upper limit for the conversion efficiency of silicon p–n junction solar cells, is modified in a simple and effective way to calculate the conversion efficiency of core/shell QDNC solar cells. Since the existing model relies on the gap energy () of the solar cell, it does not make an estimation about the effect of QDNC materials on the efficiency of the solar cells, and gives the same efficiency values for several QDNC solar cells with the same . The proposed modification, however, estimates a conversion efficiency in relation to the material properties and also the confinement type of the QDNCs. The results of the modified model show that, in contrast to the original one, the conversion efficiencies of different QDNC solar cells, even if they have the same , become different depending upon the confinement type and shell material of the core/shell QDNCs, and this is crucial in the design and fabrication of the new generation solar cells to predict the confinement type and also appropriate QDNC materials for better efficiency.
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Recent Advances in Interface Engineering for Planar Heterojunction Perovskite Solar Cells.
Yin, Wei; Pan, Lijia; Yang, Tingbin; Liang, Yongye
2016-06-25
Organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells are considered as one of the most promising next-generation solar cells due to their advantages of low-cost precursors, high power conversion efficiency (PCE) and easy of processing. In the past few years, the PCEs have climbed from a few to over 20% for perovskite solar cells. Recent developments demonstrate that perovskite exhibits ambipolar semiconducting characteristics, which allows for the construction of planar heterojunction (PHJ) perovskite solar cells. PHJ perovskite solar cells can avoid the use of high-temperature sintered mesoporous metal oxides, enabling simple processing and the fabrication of flexible and tandem perovskite solar cells. In planar heterojunction materials, hole/electron transport layers are introduced between a perovskite film and the anode/cathode. The hole and electron transporting layers are expected to enhance exciton separation, charge transportation and collection. Further, the supporting layer for the perovskite film not only plays an important role in energy-level alignment, but also affects perovskite film morphology, which have a great effect on device performance. In addition, interfacial layers also affect device stability. In this review, recent progress in interfacial engineering for PHJ perovskite solar cells will be reviewed, especially with the molecular interfacial materials. The supporting interfacial layers for the optimization of perovskite films will be systematically reviewed. Finally, the challenges remaining in perovskite solar cells research will be discussed.
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Semiconductor quantum dot-sensitized solar cells.
Tian, Jianjun; Cao, Guozhong
2013-10-31
Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) have been drawing great attention recently as a material for solar energy conversion due to their versatile optical and electrical properties. The QD-sensitized solar cell (QDSC) is one of the burgeoning semiconductor QD solar cells that shows promising developments for the next generation of solar cells. This article focuses on recent developments in QDSCs, including 1) the effect of quantum confinement on QDSCs, 2) the multiple exciton generation (MEG) of QDs, 3) fabrication methods of QDs, and 4) nanocrystalline photoelectrodes for solar cells. We also make suggestions for future research on QDSCs. Although the efficiency of QDSCs is still low, we think there will be major breakthroughs in developing QDSCs in the future.
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Design High-Efficiency III-V Nanowire/Si Two-Junction Solar Cell.
Wang, Y; Zhang, Y; Zhang, D; He, S; Li, X
2015-12-01
In this paper, we report the electrical simulation results of a proposed GaInP nanowire (NW)/Si two-junction solar cell. The NW physical dimensions are determined for optimized solar energy absorption and current matching between each subcell. Two key factors (minority carrier lifetime, surface recombination velocity) affecting power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the solar cell are highlighted, and a practical guideline to design high-efficiency two-junction solar cell is thus provided. Considering the practical surface and bulk defects in GaInP semiconductor, a promising PCE of 27.5 % can be obtained. The results depict the usefulness of integrating NWs to construct high-efficiency multi-junction III-V solar cells.
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NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Tada, H. Y.; Carter, J. R., Jr.; Anspaugh, B. E.; Downing, R. G.
1982-01-01
The handbook to predict the degradation of solar cell electrical performance in any given space radiation environment is presented. Solar cell theory, cell manufacturing and how they are modeled mathematically are described. The interaction of energetic charged particles radiation with solar cells is discussed and the concept of 1 MeV equivalent electron fluence is introduced. The space radiation environment is described and methods of calculating equivalent fluences for the space environment are developed. A computer program was written to perform the equivalent fluence calculations and a FORTRAN listing of the program is included. Data detailing the degradation of solar cell electrical parameters as a function of 1 MeV electron fluence are presented.
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Cadmium Telluride Solar Cells | Photovoltaic Research | NREL
Cadmium Telluride Solar Cells Cadmium Telluride Solar Cells Photovoltaic (PV) solar cells based on leadership. The United States is the leader in CdTe PV manufacturing, and NREL has been at the forefront of research and development (R&D) in this area. PV Research Other Materials & Devices pages: High
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Solar Cell Modules With Improved Backskin
Gonsiorawski, Ronald C.
2003-12-09
A laminated solar cell module comprises a front light transmitting support, a plurality of interconnected solar cells encapsulated by a light-transmitting encapsulant material, and an improved backskin formed of an ionomer/nylon alloy. The improved backskin has a toughness and melting point temperature sufficiently great to avoid any likelihood of it being pierced by any of the components that interconnect the solar cells.
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Thin film solar cells grown by organic vapor phase deposition
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Yang, Fan
Organic solar cells have the potential to provide low-cost photovoltaic devices as a clean and renewable energy resource. In this thesis, we focus on understanding the energy conversion process in organic solar cells, and improving the power conversion efficiencies via controlled growth of organic nanostructures. First, we explain the unique optical and electrical properties of organic materials used for photovoltaics, and the excitonic energy conversion process in donor-acceptor heterojunction solar cells that place several limiting factors of their power conversion efficiency. Then, strategies for improving exciton diffusion and carrier collection are analyzed using dynamical Monte Carlo models for several nanostructure morphologies. Organic vapor phase deposition is used for controlling materials crystallization and film morphology. We improve the exciton diffusion efficiency while maintaining good carrier conduction in a bulk heterojunction solar cell. Further efficiency improvement is obtained in a novel nanocrystalline network structure with a thick absorbing layer, leading to the demonstration of an organic solar cell with 4.6% efficiency. In addition, solar cells using simultaneously active heterojunctions with broad spectral response are presented. We also analyze the efficiency limits of single and multiple junction organic solar cells, and discuss the challenges facing their practical implementations.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Wu, Ming-Chung; Chen, Wei-Cheng; Chan, Shun-Hsiang; Su, Wei-Fang
2018-01-01
Perovskite solar cell is a novel photovoltaic technology with the superior progress in efficiency and the simple solution processes. Develop lead-free or lead-reduced perovskite materials is a significant concern for high-performance perovskite solar cell. Among the alkaline earth metals, the Sr2+ and Ba2+ are suitable for Pb2+ replacement in perovskite film due to fitting Goldschmidt's tolerance factor. In this study, we adopted Ba-doped and Sr-doped perovskite structured materials with different doping levels, including 1.0, 5.0, and 10.0 mol%, to prepare perovskite solar cells. Both Ba-doped and Sr-doped perovskite structured materials have a related tendency in absorption behavior and surface morphology. At 10.0 mol% doping level, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of Sr-doped perovskite solar cells is only ∼0.5%, but the PCE of Ba-doped perovskite solar cells can be achieved to ∼9.7%. Ba-doped perovskite solar cells showed the acceptable photovoltaic characteristics than Sr-doped perovskite solar cells. Ba dopant can partially replace the amount of lead in the perovskite solar cells, and it could be a potential candidate in the field of lead-free or lead-reduced perovskite energy materials.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Dey, Arka; Das, Mrinmay; Datta, Joydeep; Jana, Rajkumar; Dhar, Joydeep; Sil, Sayantan; Biswas, Debasish; Banerjee, Chandan; Ray, Partha Pratim
2016-07-01
Here we have presented the results of large area (30 × 30 cm2) silicon-hydrogen alloy material and solar cell by argon dilution method. As an alternative to hydrogen dilution, argon dilution method has been applied to develop single junction solar cell with appreciable stability. Optimization of deposition conditions revealed that 95% argon dilution gives a nanostructured material with improved transport property and less light induced degradation. The minority carrier diffusion length (L d ) and mobility-lifetime (μτ) product of the material with 95% argon dilution degrades least after light soaking. Also the density of states (DOS) below conduction level reveals that this material is less defective. Solar cell with this argon diluted material has been fabricated with all the layers deposited by argon dilution method. Finally we have compared the argon diluted solar cell results with the optimized hydrogen diluted solar cell. Light soaking study proves that it is possible to develop stable solar cell on large area by argon dilution method and that the degradation of argon diluted solar cell is less than that of hydrogen diluted one. [Figure not available: see fulltext.
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Yang, Lifei; Yu, Xuegong; Hu, Weidan; Wu, Xiaolei; Zhao, Yan; Yang, Deren
2015-02-25
Graphene-silicon (Gr-Si) heterojunction solar cells have been recognized as one of the most low-cost candidates in photovoltaics due to its simple fabrication process. However, the high sheet resistance of chemical vapor deposited (CVD) Gr films is still the most important limiting factor for the improvement of the power conversion efficiency of Gr-Si solar cells, especially in the case of large device-active area. In this work, we have fabricated a novel transparent conductive film by hybriding a monolayer Gr film with silver nanowires (AgNWs) network soldered by the graphene oxide (GO) flakes. This Gr-AgNWs hybrid film exhibits low sheet resistance and larger direct-current to optical conductivity ratio, quite suitable for solar cell fabrication. An efficiency of 8.68% has been achieved for the Gr-AgNWs-Si solar cell, in which the AgNWs network acts as buried contacts. Meanwhile, the Gr-AgNWs-Si solar cells have much better stability than the chemically doped Gr-Si solar cells. These results show a new route for the fabrication of high efficient and stable Gr-Si solar cells.
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NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Anspaugh, B. E.; Beckert, D. M.; Downing, R. G.; Miyahira, T. F.; Weiss, R. S.
1980-01-01
Electrical characteristics of Hughes Liquid phase epitaxy, P/N gallium aluminum arsenide solar cells are presented in graphical and tabular format as a function of solar illumination intensity and temperature.
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Solar Surfing-Phase I and Solar Surfing - How Close to the Sun Can We Get?
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Youngquist, Robert; Nurge, Mark; Williams, Bruce
2017-01-01
The NASA Innovative Advanced Concept (NIAC) program has been funding work at KSC on a novel coating that should allow a future spacecraft to come close to the Sun. The NIAC Symposium will be the last week of September and it is a requirement that the funded material be presented both orally and at a poster session. This DAA submission is requesting approval to go public with both the presentation and the poster.
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Cu(In,Ga)S2, Thin-Film Solar Cells Prepared by H2S Sulfurization of CuGa-In Precursor
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Dhere, Neelkanth G.; Kulkarni, Shashank R.; Chavan, Sanjay S.; Ghongadi, Shantinath R.
2005-01-01
Thin-film CuInS2 solar cell is the leading candidate for space power because of bandgap near the optimum value for AM0 solar radiation outside the earth's atmosphere, excellent radiation hardness, and freedom from intrinsic degradation mechanisms unlike a-Si:H cells. Ultra-lightweight thin-film solar cells deposited on flexible polyimide plastic substrates such as Kapton(trademark), Upilex(trademark), and Apical(trademark) have a potential for achieving specific power of 1000 W/kg, while the state-of-art specific power of the present day solar cells is 66 W/kg. This paper describes the preparation of Cu-rich CuIn(sub 1-x)Ga(sub x)S(sub 2) (CIGS2) thin films and solar cells by a process of sulfurization of CuGa-In precursor similar to that being used for preparation of large-compact-grain CuIn(sub 1-x)Ga(sub x)Se2 thin films and efficient solar cells at FSEC PV Materials Lab.
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Molecular helices as electron acceptors in high-performance bulk heterojunction solar cells
Yu M. Zhong; Nam, Chang -Yong; Trinh, M. Tuan; ...
2015-09-18
Despite numerous organic semiconducting materials synthesized for organic photovoltaics in the past decade, fullerenes are widely used as electron acceptors in highly efficient bulk-heterojunction solar cells. None of the non-fullerene bulk heterojunction solar cells have achieved efficiencies as high as fullerene-based solar cells. Design principles for fullerene-free acceptors remain unclear in the field. Here we report examples of helical molecular semiconductors as electron acceptors that are on par with fullerene derivatives in efficient solar cells. We achieved an 8.3% power conversion efficiency in a solar cell, which is a record high for non-fullerene bulk heterojunctions. Femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy revealedmore » both electron and hole transfer processes at the donor–acceptor interfaces. Atomic force microscopy reveals a mesh-like network of acceptors with pores that are tens of nanometres in diameter for efficient exciton separation and charge transport. As a result, this study describes a new motif for designing highly efficient acceptors for organic solar cells.« less
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Electrospinning Nanofiber Based Organic Solar Cell
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Yang, Zhenhua; Liu, Ying; Moffa, Maria; Nam, Chang-Yong; Pisignano, Dario; Rafailovich, Miriam
Bulk heterojunction (BHJ) polymer solar cells are an area of intense interest due to their potential to result in printable, inexpensive solar cells which can be processed onto flexible substrates. The active layer is typically spin coated from the solution of polythiophene derivatives (donor) and fullerenes (acceptor) and interconnected domains are formed because of phase separation. However, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of BHJ solar cell is restricted by the presence of unfavorable morphological features, including dead ends or isolated domains. Here we MEH-PPV:PVP:PCBM electrospun nanofiber into BHJ solar cell for the active layer morphology optimization. Larger interfacial area between donor and acceptor is abtained with electrospinning method and the high aspect ratio of the MEH-PPV:PVP:PCBM nanofibers allow them to easily form a continuous pathway. The surface morphology is investigated with atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Electrospun nanofibers are discussed as a favorable structure for application in bulk-heterojunction organic solar cells. Electrospinning Nanofiber Based Bulk Heterojunction Organic Solar Cell.
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Charge Transfer from Carbon Nanotubes to Silicon in Flexible Carbon Nanotube/Silicon Solar Cells
Li, Xiaokai; Mariano, Marina; McMillon-Brown, Lyndsey; ...
2017-11-10
Mechanical fragility and insufficient light absorption are two major challenges for thin flexible crystalline Si-based solar cells. Flexible hybrid single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT)/Si solar cells are demonstrated by applying scalable room-temperature processes for the fabrication of solar-cell components (e.g., preparation of SWNT thin films and SWNT/Si p–n junctions). The flexible SWNT/Si solar cells present an intrinsic efficiency ≈7.5% without any additional light-trapping structures. By using these solar cells as model systems, the charge transport mechanisms at the SWNT/Si interface are investigated using femtosecond transient absorption. Although primary photon absorption occurs in Si, transient absorption measurements show that SWNTs also generatemore » and inject excited charge carriers to Si. Such effects can be tuned by controlling the thickness of the SWNTs. Thus, findings from this study could open a new pathway for designing and improving the efficiency of photocarrier generation and absorption for high-performance ultrathin hybrid SWNT/Si solar cells.« less
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Molecular helices as electron acceptors in high-performance bulk heterojunction solar cells.
Zhong, Yu; Trinh, M Tuan; Chen, Rongsheng; Purdum, Geoffrey E; Khlyabich, Petr P; Sezen, Melda; Oh, Seokjoon; Zhu, Haiming; Fowler, Brandon; Zhang, Boyuan; Wang, Wei; Nam, Chang-Yong; Sfeir, Matthew Y; Black, Charles T; Steigerwald, Michael L; Loo, Yueh-Lin; Ng, Fay; Zhu, X-Y; Nuckolls, Colin
2015-09-18
Despite numerous organic semiconducting materials synthesized for organic photovoltaics in the past decade, fullerenes are widely used as electron acceptors in highly efficient bulk-heterojunction solar cells. None of the non-fullerene bulk heterojunction solar cells have achieved efficiencies as high as fullerene-based solar cells. Design principles for fullerene-free acceptors remain unclear in the field. Here we report examples of helical molecular semiconductors as electron acceptors that are on par with fullerene derivatives in efficient solar cells. We achieved an 8.3% power conversion efficiency in a solar cell, which is a record high for non-fullerene bulk heterojunctions. Femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy revealed both electron and hole transfer processes at the donor-acceptor interfaces. Atomic force microscopy reveals a mesh-like network of acceptors with pores that are tens of nanometres in diameter for efficient exciton separation and charge transport. This study describes a new motif for designing highly efficient acceptors for organic solar cells.
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Flexible, highly efficient all-polymer solar cells
Kim, Taesu; Kim, Jae-Han; Kang, Tae Eui; Lee, Changyeon; Kang, Hyunbum; Shin, Minkwan; Wang, Cheng; Ma, Biwu; Jeong, Unyong; Kim, Taek-Soo; Kim, Bumjoon J.
2015-01-01
All-polymer solar cells have shown great potential as flexible and portable power generators. These devices should offer good mechanical endurance with high power-conversion efficiency for viability in commercial applications. In this work, we develop highly efficient and mechanically robust all-polymer solar cells that are based on the PBDTTTPD polymer donor and the P(NDI2HD-T) polymer acceptor. These systems exhibit high power-conversion efficiency of 6.64%. Also, the proposed all-polymer solar cells have even better performance than the control polymer-fullerene devices with phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) as the electron acceptor (6.12%). More importantly, our all-polymer solar cells exhibit dramatically enhanced strength and flexibility compared with polymer/PCBM devices, with 60- and 470-fold improvements in elongation at break and toughness, respectively. The superior mechanical properties of all-polymer solar cells afford greater tolerance to severe deformations than conventional polymer-fullerene solar cells, making them much better candidates for applications in flexible and portable devices. PMID:26449658
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Charge Transfer from Carbon Nanotubes to Silicon in Flexible Carbon Nanotube/Silicon Solar Cells
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Li, Xiaokai; Mariano, Marina; McMillon-Brown, Lyndsey
Mechanical fragility and insufficient light absorption are two major challenges for thin flexible crystalline Si-based solar cells. Flexible hybrid single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT)/Si solar cells are demonstrated by applying scalable room-temperature processes for the fabrication of solar-cell components (e.g., preparation of SWNT thin films and SWNT/Si p–n junctions). The flexible SWNT/Si solar cells present an intrinsic efficiency ≈7.5% without any additional light-trapping structures. By using these solar cells as model systems, the charge transport mechanisms at the SWNT/Si interface are investigated using femtosecond transient absorption. Although primary photon absorption occurs in Si, transient absorption measurements show that SWNTs also generatemore » and inject excited charge carriers to Si. Such effects can be tuned by controlling the thickness of the SWNTs. Thus, findings from this study could open a new pathway for designing and improving the efficiency of photocarrier generation and absorption for high-performance ultrathin hybrid SWNT/Si solar cells.« less
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An Investigation on a Crystalline-Silicon Solar Cell with Black Silicon Layer at the Rear.
Zhou, Zhi-Quan; Hu, Fei; Zhou, Wen-Jie; Chen, Hong-Yan; Ma, Lei; Zhang, Chi; Lu, Ming
2017-12-15
Crystalline-Si (c-Si) solar cell with black Si (b-Si) layer at the rear was studied in order to develop c-Si solar cell with sub-band gap photovoltaic response. The b-Si was made by chemical etching. The c-Si solar cell with b-Si at the rear was found to perform far better than that of similar structure but with no b-Si at the rear, with the efficiency being increased relatively by 27.7%. This finding was interesting as b-Si had a large specific surface area, which could cause high surface recombination and degradation of solar cell performance. A graded band gap was found to form at the rear of the c-Si solar cell with b-Si layer at the rear. This graded band gap tended to expel free electrons away from the rear, thus reducing the probability of electron-hole recombination at b-Si and improving the performance of c-Si solar cell.
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Simulation of the real efficiencies of high-efficiency silicon solar cells
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Sachenko, A. V., E-mail: sach@isp.kiev.ua; Skrebtii, A. I.; Korkishko, R. M.
The temperature dependences of the efficiency η of high-efficiency solar cells based on silicon are calculated. It is shown that the temperature coefficient of decreasing η with increasing temperature decreases as the surface recombination rate decreases. The photoconversion efficiency of high-efficiency silicon-based solar cells operating under natural (field) conditions is simulated. Their operating temperature is determined self-consistently by simultaneously solving the photocurrent, photovoltage, and energy-balance equations. Radiative and convective cooling mechanisms are taken into account. It is shown that the operating temperature of solar cells is higher than the ambient temperature even at very high convection coefficients (~300 W/m{sup 2}more » K). Accordingly, the photoconversion efficiency in this case is lower than when the temperature of the solar cells is equal to the ambient temperature. The calculated dependences for the open-circuit voltage and the photoconversion efficiency of high-quality silicon solar cells under concentrated illumination are discussed taking into account the actual temperature of the solar cells.« less
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Liu, Wei; Mu, Wei; Liu, Mengjie; Zhang, Xiaodan; Cai, Hongli; Deng, Yulin
2014-01-01
The current polymer-exchange membrane fuel cell technology cannot directly use biomass as fuel. Here we present a solar-induced hybrid fuel cell that is directly powered with natural polymeric biomasses, such as starch, cellulose, lignin, and even switchgrass and wood powders. The fuel cell uses polyoxometalates as the photocatalyst and charge carrier to generate electricity at low temperature. This solar-induced hybrid fuel cell combines some features of solar cells, fuel cells and redox flow batteries. The power density of the solar-induced hybrid fuel cell powered by cellulose reaches 0.72 mW cm(-2), which is almost 100 times higher than cellulose-based microbial fuel cells and is close to that of the best microbial fuel cells reported in literature. Unlike most cell technologies that are sensitive to impurities, the cell reported in this study is inert to most organic and inorganic contaminants present in the fuels.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Liu, Wei; Mu, Wei; Liu, Mengjie; Zhang, Xiaodan; Cai, Hongli; Deng, Yulin
2014-02-01
The current polymer-exchange membrane fuel cell technology cannot directly use biomass as fuel. Here we present a solar-induced hybrid fuel cell that is directly powered with natural polymeric biomasses, such as starch, cellulose, lignin, and even switchgrass and wood powders. The fuel cell uses polyoxometalates as the photocatalyst and charge carrier to generate electricity at low temperature. This solar-induced hybrid fuel cell combines some features of solar cells, fuel cells and redox flow batteries. The power density of the solar-induced hybrid fuel cell powered by cellulose reaches 0.72 mW cm-2, which is almost 100 times higher than cellulose-based microbial fuel cells and is close to that of the best microbial fuel cells reported in literature. Unlike most cell technologies that are sensitive to impurities, the cell reported in this study is inert to most organic and inorganic contaminants present in the fuels.
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Therapeutic Angiogenesis via Solar Cell-Facilitated Electrical Stimulation.
Jeong, Gun-Jae; Oh, Jin Young; Kim, Yeon-Ju; Bhang, Suk Ho; Jang, Hyeon-Ki; Han, Jin; Yoon, Jeong-Kee; Kwon, Sang-Mo; Lee, Tae Il; Kim, Byung-Soo
2017-11-08
Cell therapy has been suggested as a treatment modality for ischemic diseases, but the poor survival and engraftment of implanted cells limit its therapeutic efficacy. To overcome such limitation, we used electrical stimulation (ES) derived from a wearable solar cell for inducing angiogenesis in ischemic tissue. ES enhanced the secretion of angiogenic growth factors and the migration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), myoblasts, endothelial progenitor cells, and endothelial cells in vitro. In a mouse ischemic hindlimb model, ES generated by a solar cell and applied to the ischemic region promoted migration of MSCs toward the ischemic site and upregulated expression of angiogenic paracrine factors (vascular endothelial, basic fibroblast, and hepatocyte growth factors; and stromal cell-derived factor-1α). Importantly, solar cell-generated ES promoted the formation of capillaries and arterioles at the ischemic region, attenuated muscle necrosis and fibrosis, and eventually prevented loss of the ischemic limb. Solar cell ES therapy showed higher angiogenic efficacy than conventional MSC therapy. This study shows the feasibility of using solar cell ES as a novel treatment for therapeutic angiogenesis.
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Extended Temperature Solar Cell Technology Development
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Landis, Geoffrey A.; Jenkins, Phillip; Scheiman, David; Rafaelle, Ryne
2004-01-01
Future NASA missions will require solar cells to operate both in regimes closer to the sun, and farther from the sun, where the operating temperatures will be higher and lower than standard operational conditions. NASA Glenn is engaged in testing solar cells under extended temperature ranges, developing theoretical models of cell operation as a function of temperature, and in developing technology for improving the performance of solar cells for both high and low temperature operation.
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Study on photoelectric parameter measurement method of high capacitance solar cell
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Zhang, Junchao; Xiong, Limin; Meng, Haifeng; He, Yingwei; Cai, Chuan; Zhang, Bifeng; Li, Xiaohui; Wang, Changshi
2018-01-01
The high efficiency solar cells usually have high capacitance characteristic, so the measurement of their photoelectric performance usually requires long pulse width and long sweep time. The effects of irradiance non-uniformity, probe shielding and spectral mismatch on the IV curve measurement are analyzed experimentally. A compensation method for irradiance loss caused by probe shielding is proposed, and the accurate measurement of the irradiance intensity in the IV curve measurement process of solar cell is realized. Based on the characteristics that the open circuit voltage of solar cell is sensitive to the junction temperature, an accurate measurement method of the temperature of solar cell under continuous irradiation condition is proposed. Finally, a measurement method with the characteristic of high accuracy and wide application range for high capacitance solar cell is presented.
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Solution-processed small-molecule solar cells: breaking the 10% power conversion efficiency.
Liu, Yongsheng; Chen, Chun-Chao; Hong, Ziruo; Gao, Jing; Yang, Yang Michael; Zhou, Huanping; Dou, Letian; Li, Gang; Yang, Yang
2013-11-28
A two-dimensional conjugated small molecule (SMPV1) was designed and synthesized for high performance solution-processed organic solar cells. This study explores the photovoltaic properties of this molecule as a donor, with a fullerene derivative as an acceptor, using solution processing in single junction and double junction tandem solar cells. The single junction solar cells based on SMPV1 exhibited a certified power conversion efficiency of 8.02% under AM 1.5 G irradiation (100 mW cm(-2)). A homo-tandem solar cell based on SMPV1 was constructed with a novel interlayer (or tunnel junction) consisting of bilayer conjugated polyelectrolyte, demonstrating an unprecedented PCE of 10.1%. These results strongly suggest solution-processed small molecular materials are excellent candidates for organic solar cells.
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High-efficiency GaAs and GaInP solar cells grown by all solid-state molecular-beam-epitaxy
2011-01-01
We report the initial results of GaAs and GaInP solar cells grown by all solid-state molecular-beam-epitaxy (MBE) technique. For GaAs single-junction solar cell, with the application of AlInP as the window layer and GaInP as the back surface field layer, the photovoltaic conversion efficiency of 26% at one sun concentration and air mass 1.5 global (AM1.5G) is realized. The efficiency of 16.4% is also reached for GaInP solar cell. Our results demonstrate that the MBE-grown phosphide-contained III-V compound semiconductor solar cell can be quite comparable to the metal-organic-chemical-vapor-deposition-grown high-efficiency solar cell. PMID:22040124
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Enhancing Stability of Perovskite Solar Cells to Moisture by the Facile Hydrophobic Passivation.
Hwang, Insung; Jeong, Inyoung; Lee, Jinwoo; Ko, Min Jae; Yong, Kijung
2015-08-12
In this study, a novel and facile passivation process for a perovskite solar cell is reported. Poor stability in ambient atmosphere, which is the most critical demerit of a perovskite solar cell, is overcome by a simple passivation process using a hydrophobic polymer layer. Teflon, the hydrophobic polymer, is deposited on the top of a perovskite solar cell by a spin-coating method. With the hydrophobic passivation, the perovskite solar cell shows negligible degradation after a 30 day storage in ambient atmosphere. Suppressed degradation of the perovskite film is proved in various ways: X-ray diffraction, light absorption spectrum, and quartz crystal microbalance. This simple but effective passivation process suggests new kind of approach to enhance stability of perovskite solar cells to moisture.
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Design and testing of a uniformly solar energy TIR-R concentration lenses for HCPV systems.
Shen, S C; Chang, S J; Yeh, C Y; Teng, P C
2013-11-04
In this paper, total internal reflection-refraction (TIR-R) concentration (U-TIR-R-C) lens module were designed for uniformity using the energy configuration method to eliminate hot spots on the surface of solar cell and increase conversion efficiency. The design of most current solar concentrators emphasizes the high-power concentration of solar energy, however neglects the conversion inefficiency resulting from hot spots generated by uneven distributions of solar energy concentrated on solar cells. The energy configuration method proposed in this study employs the concept of ray tracing to uniformly distribute solar energy to solar cells through a U-TIR-R-C lens module. The U-TIR-R-C lens module adopted in this study possessed a 76-mm diameter, a 41-mm thickness, concentration ratio of 1134 Suns, 82.6% optical efficiency, and 94.7% uniformity. The experiments demonstrated that the U-TIR-R-C lens module reduced the core temperature of the solar cell from 108 °C to 69 °C and the overall temperature difference from 45 °C to 10 °C, and effectively relative increased the conversion efficiency by approximately 3.8%. Therefore, the U-TIR-R-C lens module designed can effectively concentrate a large area of sunlight onto a small solar cell, and the concentrated solar energy can be evenly distributed in the solar cell to achieve uniform irradiance and effectively eliminate hot spots.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Chadel, Meriem; Moustafa Bouzaki, Mohammed; Chadel, Asma; Aillerie, Michel; Benyoucef, Boumediene
2017-07-01
The influence of the thickness of a Zinc Oxide (ZnO) transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layer on the performance of the CZTSSe solar cell is shown in detail. In a photovoltaic cell, the thickness of each layer largely influence the performance of the solar cell and optimization of each layer constitutes a complete work. Here, using the Solar Cell Capacitance Simulation (SCAPS) software, we present simulation results obtained in the analyze of the influence of the TCO layer thickness on the performance of a CZTSSe solar cell, starting from performance of a CZTSSe solar cell commercialized in 2014 with an initial efficiency equal to 12.6%. In simulation, the temperature was considered as a functioning parameter and the evolution of tthe performance of the cell for various thickness of the TCO layer when the external temperature changes is simulated and discussed. The best efficiency of the solar cell based in CZTSSe is obtained with a ZnO thickness equal to 50 nm and low temperature. Based on the considered marketed cell, we show a technological possible increase of the global efficiency achieving 13% by optimization of ZnO based TCO layer.
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Optimization of antireflection coating design for multijunction solar cells and concentrator systems
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Valdivia, Christopher E.; Desfonds, Eric; Masson, Denis; Fafard, Simon; Carlson, Andrew; Cook, John; Hall, Trevor J.; Hinzer, Karin
2008-06-01
Photovoltaic solar cells are a route towards local, environmentally benign, sustainable and affordable energy solutions. Antireflection coatings are necessary to input a high percentage of available light for photovoltaic conversion, and therefore have been widely exploited for silicon solar cells. Multi-junction III-V semiconductor solar cells have achieved the highest efficiencies of any photovoltaic technology, yielding up to 40% in the laboratory and 37% in commercial devices under varying levels of concentrated light. These devices benefit from a wide absorption spectrum (300- 1800 nm), but this also introduces significant challenges for antireflection coating design. Each sub-cell junction is electrically connected in series, limiting the overall device photocurrent by the lowest current-producing junction. Therefore, antireflection coating optimization must maximize the current from the limiting sub-cells at the expense of the others. Solar concentration, necessary for economical terrestrial deployment of multi-junction solar cells, introduces an angular-dependent irradiance spectrum. Antireflection coatings are optimized for both direct normal incidence in air and angular incidence in an Opel Mk-I concentrator, resulting in as little as 1-2% loss in photocurrent as compared to an ideal zero-reflectance solar cell, showing a similar performance to antireflection coatings on silicon solar cells. A transparent conductive oxide layer has also been considered to replace the metallic-grid front electrode and for inclusion as part of a multi-layer antireflection coating. Optimization of the solar cell, antireflection coating, and concentrator system should be considered simultaneously to enable overall optimal device performance.
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An effective trigger for energy release of vinylheptafulvene-based solar heat batteries.
Cacciarini, Martina; Vlasceanu, Alexandru; Jevric, Martyn; Nielsen, Mogens Brøndsted
2017-05-30
Stoichiometric copper(i) tetrakis(acetonitrile) is found to activate the thermal ring-closure reaction of a series of high-energy vinylheptafulvene isomers to the corresponding low-energy and photoactive dihydroazulenes, allowing the release of energy upon request.
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DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Bett, Alexander J.; Schulze, Patricia S. C.; Winkler, Kristina
Silicon-based tandem solar cells can overcome the efficiency limit of single junction silicon solar cells. Perovskite solar cells are particularly promising as a top cell in monolithic tandem devices due to their rapid development towards high efficiencies, a tunable band gap with a sharp optical absorption edge and a simple production process. In monolithic tandem devices, the perovskite solar cell is deposited directly on the silicon cell, requiring low-temperature processes (< 200 °C) to maintain functionality of under-lying layers of the silicon cell in case of highly efficient silicon hetero-junction (SHJ) bottom solar cell. In this work, we present amore » complete low-temperature process for perovskite solar cells including a mesoporous titanium oxide (TiO 2) scaffold - a structure yielding the highest efficiencies for single-junction perovskite solar cells. We show that evaporation of the compact TiO 2 hole blocking layer and ultra-violet (UV) curing for the mesoporous TiO 2 layer allows for good performance, comparable to high-temperature (> 500 °C) processes. With both manufacturing routes, we obtain short-circuit current densities (J SC) of about 20 mA/cm 2, open-circuit voltages (V OC) over 1 V, fill factors (FF) between 0.7 and 0.8 and efficiencies (n) of more than 15%. We further show that the evaporated TiO 2 layer is suitable for the application in tandem devices. The series resistance of the layer itself and the contact resistance to an indium doped tin oxide (ITO) interconnection layer between the two sub-cells are low. Additionally, the low parasitic absorption for wavelengths above the perovskite band gap allow a higher absorption in the silicon bottom solar cell, which is essential to achieve high tandem efficiencies.« less
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Bett, Alexander J.; Schulze, Patricia S. C.; Winkler, Kristina; ...
2017-09-21
Silicon-based tandem solar cells can overcome the efficiency limit of single junction silicon solar cells. Perovskite solar cells are particularly promising as a top cell in monolithic tandem devices due to their rapid development towards high efficiencies, a tunable band gap with a sharp optical absorption edge and a simple production process. In monolithic tandem devices, the perovskite solar cell is deposited directly on the silicon cell, requiring low-temperature processes (< 200 °C) to maintain functionality of under-lying layers of the silicon cell in case of highly efficient silicon hetero-junction (SHJ) bottom solar cell. In this work, we present amore » complete low-temperature process for perovskite solar cells including a mesoporous titanium oxide (TiO 2) scaffold - a structure yielding the highest efficiencies for single-junction perovskite solar cells. We show that evaporation of the compact TiO 2 hole blocking layer and ultra-violet (UV) curing for the mesoporous TiO 2 layer allows for good performance, comparable to high-temperature (> 500 °C) processes. With both manufacturing routes, we obtain short-circuit current densities (J SC) of about 20 mA/cm 2, open-circuit voltages (V OC) over 1 V, fill factors (FF) between 0.7 and 0.8 and efficiencies (n) of more than 15%. We further show that the evaporated TiO 2 layer is suitable for the application in tandem devices. The series resistance of the layer itself and the contact resistance to an indium doped tin oxide (ITO) interconnection layer between the two sub-cells are low. Additionally, the low parasitic absorption for wavelengths above the perovskite band gap allow a higher absorption in the silicon bottom solar cell, which is essential to achieve high tandem efficiencies.« less
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Panel proposes solar system missions
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Showstack, Randy
A proposed probe to the Kuiper Belt and Pluto and another to Europa are among the priority Solar System exploration missions that should be pursued by NASA over the next decade, according to an 11 July report by a steering group of the Space Studies Board of the U.S. National Research Council (NRC).The report, "New Frontiers in the Solar System: An Integrated Exploration Strategy," was requested by NASA, and proposes a set of new missions and facilities to respond to key questions in four cross-cutting themes. The themes, which the report indicates form the basis for an integrated space exploration strategy are: the first billion years of Solar System history; volatiles and organics: the stuff of life; the origin and evolution of habitable worlds; and processes: how planets work.
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Wang, Qi; Iwaniczko, Eugene
2006-10-17
A thin-film solar cell is provided. The thin-film solar cell comprises an a-SiGe:H (1.6 eV) n-i-p solar cell having a deposition rate of at least ten (10) .ANG./second for the a-SiGe:H intrinsic layer by hot wire chemical vapor deposition. A method for fabricating a thin film solar cell is also provided. The method comprises depositing a n-i-p layer at a deposition rate of at least ten (10) .ANG./second for the a-SiGe:H intrinsic layer.
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Evaluation of AlsubxGasub1-xsubAs solar cells
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Loo, R. Y.; Kamath, G. S.; Knechtli, R. C.; Narayanan, A.; Li, S. S.
1985-01-01
Single junction GaAs solar cells have already attained an efficiency of 19% AMO which could potentially be increased to approx 20%, with some optimization. To achieve the higher efficiency the concept of multibandgap solar cells which utilizes a wider region of the solar spectrum should be sed. One of the materials for fabricating the top cell in a multibandgap solar cell is AlGaAs because it is compatible with GaAs in bandgap and lattice match. This is a very important consideration from the materials technology point of view, and the viability of this approach is evaluated.
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Status of FEP encapsulated solar cell modules used in terrestrial applications
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Ratajczak, A. F.; Forestieri, A. F.
1974-01-01
The Lewis Research Center has been engaged in transferring the FEP encapsulated solar cell technology developed for the space program to terrestrial applications. FEP encapsulated solar cell modules and arrays were designed and built expressly for terrestrial applications. Solar cell power systems were installed at three different land sites, while individual modules are undergoing marine environment tests. Four additional power systems are being completed for installation during the summer of 1974. These tests have revealed some minor problems which have been corrected. The results confirm the inherent utility of FEP encapsulated terrestrial solar cell systems.
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Method of manufacturing a hybrid emitter all back contact solar cell
Loscutoff, Paul; Rim, Seung
2017-02-07
A method of manufacturing an all back contact solar cell which has a hybrid emitter design. The solar cell has a thin dielectric layer formed on a backside surface of a single crystalline silicon substrate. One emitter of the solar cell is made of doped polycrystalline silicon that is formed on the thin dielectric layer. A second emitter of the solar cell is formed in the single crystalline silicon substrate and is made of doped single crystalline silicon. The method further includes forming contact holes that allow metal contacts to connect to corresponding emitters.
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2010-08-25
... ancillary solar Photovoltaic (PV) equipment, when this equipment is utilized in solar installations... following solar PV equipment: (1) Domestically- manufactured modules containing foreign-manufactured cells... effect. Solar cells are the basic building block of PV technologies. The cells are functional...
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NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Stella, P. M.; Anspaugh, B. E.
1985-01-01
Electrical characteristics of thin (100- and 140-micron) Westinghouse dendritic-web N/P silicon solar cells are presented in graphical and tabular format as a function of solar illumination intensity and temperature. Performance is also shown as a function of solar illlumination angle of incidence for AMO.
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Multijunction Solar Cell Technology for Mars Surface Applications
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Stella, Paul M.; Mardesich, Nick; Ewell, Richard C.; Mueller, Robert L.; Endicter, Scott; Aiken, Daniel; Edmondson, Kenneth; Fetze, Chris
2006-01-01
Solar cells used for Mars surface applications have been commercial space qualified AM0 optimized devices. Due to the Martian atmosphere, these cells are not optimized for the Mars surface and as a result operate at a reduced efficiency. A multi-year program, MOST (Mars Optimized Solar Cell Technology), managed by JPL and funded by NASA Code S, was initiated in 2004, to develop tools to modify commercial AM0 cells for the Mars surface solar spectrum and to fabricate Mars optimized devices for verification. This effort required defining the surface incident spectrum, developing an appropriate laboratory solar simulator measurement capability, and to develop and test commercial cells modified for the Mars surface spectrum. This paper discusses the program, including results for the initial modified cells. Simulated Mars surface measurements of MER cells and Phoenix Lander cells (2007 launch) are provided to characterize the performance loss for those missions. In addition, the performance of the MER rover solar arrays is updated to reflect their more than two (2) year operation.
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Indium phosphide solar cell research in the United States: Comparison with non-photovoltaic sources
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Weinberg, I.; Swartz, C. K.; Hart, R. E., Jr.
1989-01-01
Highlights of the InP solar cell research program are presented. Homojunction cells with efficiencies approaching 19 percent are demonstrated, while 17 percent is achieved for ITO/InP cells. The superior radiation resistance of the two latter cell configurations over both Si and GaAs cells has been shown. InP cells aboard the LIPS3 satellite show no degradation after more than a year in orbit. Computed array specific powers are used to compare the performance of an InP solar cell array to solar dynamic and nuclear systems.
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2011-03-24
... Collection; Comment Request; Identification of Human Cell Lines Project AGENCY: National Institute of... by short tandem repeat (STR) profiling up to 1500 human cell line samples as part of the Identification of Human Cell Lines Project. All data and corresponding information will be posted in a publically...
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2013-09-03
... Council on Blood Stem Cell Transplantation; Request for Nominations for Voting Members AGENCY: Health... on the Advisory Council on Blood Stem Cell Transplantation (ACBSCT). The ACBSCT was established... INFORMATION: The Council was established to implement a statutory requirement of the Stem Cell Therapeutic and...
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Nanostructured GaAs solar cells via metal-assisted chemical etching of emitter layers.
Song, Yunwon; Choi, Keorock; Jun, Dong-Hwan; Oh, Jungwoo
2017-10-02
GaAs solar cells with nanostructured emitter layers were fabricated via metal-assisted chemical etching. Au nanoparticles produced via thermal treatment of Au thin films were used as etch catalysts to texture an emitter surface with nanohole structures. Epi-wafers with emitter layers 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 um in thickness were directly textured and a window layer removal process was performed before metal catalyst deposition. A nanohole-textured emitter layer provides effective light trapping capabilities, reducing the surface reflection of a textured solar cell by 11.0%. However, because the nanostructures have high surface area to volume ratios and large numbers of defects, various photovoltaic properties were diminished by high recombination losses. Thus, we have studied the application of nanohole structures to GaAs emitter solar cells and investigated the cells' antireflection and photovoltaic properties as a function of the nanohole structure and emitter thickness. Due to decreased surface reflection and improved shunt resistance, the solar cell efficiency increased from 4.25% for non-textured solar cells to 7.15% for solar cells textured for 5 min.
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Effects of anodic aluminum oxide membrane on performance of nanostructured solar cells
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Dang, Hongmei; Singh, Vijay
2015-05-01
Three nanowire solar cell device configurations have been fabricated to demonstrate the effects of the host anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) membrane on device performance. The three configurations show similar transmittance spectra, indicating that AAO membrane has negligible optical absorption. Power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the device is studied as a function of the carrier transport and collection in cell structures with and without AAO membrane. Free standing nanowire solar cells exhibit PCE of 9.9%. Through inclusion of AAO in solar cell structure, interface defects and traps caused by humidity and oxygen are reduced, and direct contact of CdTe tentacles with SnO2 and formation of micro shunt shorts are prevented; hence PCE is improved to 11.1%-11.3%. Partially embedded nanowire solar cells further reduce influence of non-ideal and non-uniform nanowire growth and generate a large amount of carriers in axial direction and also a small quantity of carriers in lateral direction, thus becoming a promising solar cell structure. Thus, including AAO membrane in solar cell structure provides favorable electro-optical properties as well as mechanical advantages.
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Experiments on solar photovoltaic power generation using concentrator and liquid cooling
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Beam, B. H.; Hansen, C. F.
1975-01-01
Calculations and experimental data are presented leading to the development of a practical, economical solar photovoltaic power supply. The concept involves concentration of sunlight up to about 100 times normal solar intensity in a solar tracking collector and directing this to an array of solar cells. The cells are immersed in water circulated from a thermal reservoir which limits cell temperature rise to about 20 C above ambient during the day and which cools to ambient temperature during the night. Experiments were conducted on solar cells using a Fresnel lens for magnification, a telescope equatorial mount with clock drive, and tap water circulated through the solar cell holder cavity. Test results show that cells operate satisfactorily under these conditions. Power outputs achieved experimentally with cell optimized for 25 suns were linear with concentration to about 15 suns. Cells optimized for 100 suns were not available, but a corresponding linear relation of power output with concentration is anticipated. Test results have been used in a design analysis of the cost of systems utilizing this technique.
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Space qualification of IR-reflecting coverslides for GaAs solar cells
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Meulenberg, Andrew
1995-01-01
Improvements to GaAs solar array performance, from the use on solar cell coverslides of several reflecting coatings that reject unusable portions of the solar spectrum, are quantified. Blue-red-rejection (BRR) coverslides provide both infrared reflection (IRR) and ultraviolet rejection (UVR). BRR coverslides were compared to conventional antireflection (AR) and ultraviolet (UV) coated coverslides. A 2% improvement in peak-power output, relative to that from Ar-coated coverslides, is seen for cells utilizing BRR coverslides with the widest bandpass. Coverslide BRR-filter bandpass width and covered-solar-cell short-circuit current is a function of incident light angle and the observed narrower-bandpass filters are more sensitive to change in angle from the normal than are wide-bandpass filters. The first long-term (3000 hours) UV testing of unirradiated and 1 MeV electron-irradiated GaAs solar cells, with multilayer-coated coverslides to reduce solar array operating temperature, has indicated that all multilayer coatings on coverslides and solar cells will experience degradation from the space environment (UV and/or electrons). Five types of coverslide coatings, designed for GaAs solar cells, were tested as part of a NASA-sponsored space-flight qualification for BRR, multi-layer-coated, coverslides. The reponse to the different radiations varied with the coatings. The extent of degradation and its consequences on the solar cell electrical characteristics depend upon the coatings and the radiation. In some cases, an improved optical coupling was observed during long-term UV exposure to the optical stack. The benefits of multi-layered solar cell optics may depend upon both the duration and the radiation environment of a mission.
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Development of high-performance GaInAsP solar cells for tandem solar cell applications
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Wanlass, M. W.; Ward, J. S.; Gessert, T. A.; Emery, K. A.; Horner, G. S.
1990-01-01
Recent results in the development of high-efficiency, low-bandgap GaInAsP solar cells epitaxially grown and lattice matched on InP substrates are presented. Such cells are intended to be used as optimum bottom cell components in tandem solar cells. Assuming that a GaAs-based top cell is used, computer simulation of the potential bottom cell performance as a function of the cell bandgap and incident spectrum indicates that two particular alloys are desirable: Ga0.47In0.53As (Eg = 0.75 eV) for space applications and Ga0.25In0.75As0.54P0.46 (Eg = 0.95 eV) for terrestrial applications. In each of these materials, solar cells with new record-level efficiencies have been fabricated. The efficiency boost available to tandem configurations from these low-bandgap cells is discussed.
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Project Columbiad: Reestablishment of human presence on the Moon
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Shea, Joseph; Weiss, Stanley; Alexander, Harold; Belobaba, Peter; Loboda, Greg; Berry, Maresi; Bower, Mark; Bruen, Charles; Cazeau, Patrick; Clarke, Michael
1992-01-01
In response to the Report of the Advisory Committee on the future of the U.S. Space Program and a request from NASA's Exploration Office, the MIT Hunsaker Aerospace Corporation (HAC) conducted a feasibility study, known as Project Columbiad, on reestablishing human presence on the Moon before the year 2000. The mission criteria established were to transport a four person crew to the lunar surface at any latitude and back to Earth with a 14-28 day stay on the lunar surface. Safety followed by cost of the Columbiad Mission were the top level priorities of HAC. The resulting design has a precursor mission that emplaces the required surface payloads before the piloted mission arrives. Both the precursor and piloted missions require two National Launch System (NLS) launches. Both the precursor and piloted missions have an Earth orbit rendezvous (EOR) with a direct transit to the Moon post-EOR. The piloted mission returns to Earth via a direct transit. Included among the surface payloads preemplaced are a habitat, solar power plant (including fuel cells for the lunar night), lunar rover, and mecanisms used to cover the habitat with regolith (lunar soil) in order to protect the crew members from severe solar flare radiation.
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Annealing characteristics of irradiated hydrogenated amorphous silicon solar cells
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Payson, J. S.; Abdulaziz, S.; Li, Y.; Woodyard, J. R.
1991-01-01
It was shown that 1 MeV proton irradiation with fluences of 1.25E14 and 1.25E15/sq cm reduces the normalized I(sub SC) of a-Si:H solar cell. Solar cells recently fabricated showed superior radiation tolerance compared with cells fabricated four years ago; the improvement is probably due to the fact that the new cells are thinner and fabricated from improved materials. Room temperature annealing was observed for the first time in both new and old cells. New cells anneal at a faster rate than old cells for the same fluence. From the annealing work it is apparent that there are at least two types of defects and/or annealing mechanisms. One cell had improved I-V characteristics following irradiation as compared to the virgin cell. The work shows that the photothermal deflection spectroscopy (PDS) and annealing measurements may be used to predict the qualitative behavior of a-Si:H solar cells. It was anticipated that the modeling work will quantitatively link thin film measurements with solar cell properties. Quantitative predictions of the operation of a-Si:H solar cells in a space environment will require a knowledge of the defect creation mechanisms, defect structures, role of defects on degradation, and defect passivation and annealing mechanisms. The engineering data and knowledge base for justifying space flight testing of a-Si:H alloy based solar cells is being developed.
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Fabrication of Integral Solar Cell Covers by the Plasma Activated Source.
1981-01-01
1 Average Intrinsic Deposition Stress of Pyrolitic Silicon Oxynitride Films vs. Composition ................................... 7 2 Coefficient of...source for activated oxygen molecules which were reacted with, for example, silane at a solar cell surface to deposit amorphous silicon dioxide on the... Silicon Solar Cells ........ 51 44.6 SiO 2 Coatings in GaAs Solar Cells ........... 58 5.0 CONCLUSIONS..................................... 61 5.1
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Low-Cost III-V Solar Cells | Photovoltaic Research | NREL
Low-Cost III-V Solar Cells Low-Cost III-V Solar Cells At present, the cost of III-V solar cells is to drastically lower the cost of these devices, while maintaining their conversion efficiency, thus costs in the production of high-efficiency III-V devices: the cost of the epitaxy and the single-crystal
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Olson, Jerry M.
1994-01-01
A high-efficiency single heterojunction solar cell wherein a thin emitter layer (preferably Ga.sub.0.52 In.sub.0.48 P) forms a heterojunction with a GaAs absorber layer. The conversion effiency of the solar cell is at least 25.7%. The solar cell preferably includes a passivating layer between the substrate and the absorber layer. An anti-reflection coating is preferably disposed over the emitter layer.
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Light shield for solar concentrators
Plesniak, Adam P.; Martins, Guy L.
2014-08-26
A solar receiver unit including a housing defining a recess, a cell assembly received in the recess, the cell assembly including a solar cell, and a light shield received in the recess and including a body and at least two tabs, the body defining a window therein, the tabs extending outward from the body and being engaged with the recess, wherein the window is aligned with the solar cell.
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Transport Imaging of Multi-Junction and CIGS Solar Cell Materials
2011-12-01
solar cells start with the material charge transport parameters, namely the charge mobility, lifetime and diffusion length . It is the goal of...every solar cell manufacturer to maintain high carrier lifetime so as to realize long diffusion lengths . Long diffusion lengths ensure that the charges...Thus, being able to accurately determine the diffusion length of any solar cell material proves advantageous by providing insights
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Real-time and accelerated outdoor endurance testing of solar cells
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Forestieri, A. F.; Anagnostou, E.
1978-01-01
Materials for solar-cell module construction have been studied on the basis of limited real-time outdoor exposure evaluations. The materials tested included transmission samples, sub-modules, and actual solar cells. The results suggest that glass, fluorinated ethylene propylene, and perfluoroalkoxy are good materials for the covering or encapsulation of solar-cell modules. In all cases, dirt accumulation and cleanability are important factors.
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Novel Flexible Plastic-Based Solar Cells
2012-10-19
Fabrication of newly designed hybrid solar cells that are composed of a electron transport layer ( TiO2 ), a light sensitizing layer (NCs), and a hole...coating and spraying techniques, to produce broad-band light harvesting hybrid solar cells with bulk and layered heterojunction of inorganic...fabrication of hybrid bulk heterojunction photovoltaic cell using a blend film of polymer-inorganic NCs, 2) Fabrication of newly designed hybrid solar
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Rim, Seung Bum [Palo Alto, CA; Kim, Taeseok [San Jose, CA; Smith, David D [Campbell, CA; Cousins, Peter J [Menlo Park, CA
2012-03-13
Bypass diodes for solar cells are described. In one embodiment, a bypass diode for a solar cell includes a substrate of the solar cell. A first conductive region is disposed above the substrate, the first conductive region of a first conductivity type. A second conductive region is disposed on the first conductive region, the second conductive region of a second conductivity type opposite the first conductivity type.
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Numerical modelling of CIGS/CdS solar cell
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Devi, Nisha; Aziz, Anver; Datta, Shouvik
2018-05-01
In this work, we design and analyze the Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) solar cell using simulation software "Solar Cell Capacitance Simulator in One Dimension (SCAPS-1D)". The conventional CIGS solar cell uses various layers, like intrinsic ZnO/Aluminium doped ZnO as transparent oxide, antireflection layer MgF2, and electron back reflection (EBR) layer at CIGS/Mo interface for good power conversion efficiency. We replace this conventional model by a simple model which is easy to fabricate and also reduces the cost of this cell because of use of lesser materials. The new designed model of CIGS solar cell is ITO/CIGS/OVC/CdS/Metal contact, where OVC is ordered vacancy compound. From this simple structure, even at very low illumination we are getting good results. We simulate this CIGS solar cell model by varying various physical parameters of CIGS like thickness, carrier density, band gap and temperature.
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NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
1977-01-01
Solar cells and optical configurations for the SSPS were examined. In this task, three specific solar cell materials were examined: single crystal silicon, single crystal gallium arsenide, and polycrystalline cadmium sulfide. The comparison of the three different cells on the basis of a subsystem parametric cost per kW of SSPS-generated power at the terrestrial utility interface showed that gallium arsenide was the most promising solar cell material at high concentration ratios. The most promising solar cell material with no concentration, was dependent upon the particular combination of parameters representing cost, mass and performance that were chosen to represent each cell in this deterministic comparative analysis. The potential for mass production, based on the projections of the present state-of-the-art would tend to favor cadmium sulfide in lieu of single crystal silicon or gallium arsenide solar cells.
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Development of a shingle-type solar cell module
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Shepard, N. F., Jr.; Sanchez, L. E.
1978-01-01
The development of a solar cell module, which is suitable for use in place of shingles on the sloping roofs of residental or commercial buildings, is reported. The design consists of nineteen series-connected 53 mm diameter solar cells arranged in a closely packed hexagon configuration. The shingle solar cell module consists of two basic functional parts: an exposed rigid portion which contains the solar cell assembly, and a semi-flexible portion which is overlapped by the higher courses of the roof installation. Consideration is given to the semi-flexible substrate configuration and solar cell and module-to-module interconnectors. The results of an electrical performance analysis are given and it is noted that high specific power output can be attributed to the efficient packing of the circular cells within the hexagon shape. The shingle should function for at least 15 years, with a specific power output of 98 W/sq w.
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NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Thiemann, H.; Schunk, R. W.
1990-01-01
The interaction between satellite solar arrays and the LEO plasma is presently studied with particle-in-cell simulations in which an electrical potential was suddenly applied to the solar cell interconnector. The consequent temporal response was followed for the real O(+)-electron mass ratio in the cases of 100- and 250-V solar cells, various solar cell thicknesses, and solar cells with secondary electron emission. Larger applied potentials and thinner solar cells lead to greater initial polarization surface charges, and therefore longer discharging and shielding times. When secondary electron emission from the cover glass is brought to bear, however, the potential structure is nearly planar, allowing constant interaction between plasma electrons and cover glass; a large fraction of the resulting secondary electrons is collected by the interconnector, constituting an order-of-magnitude increase in collected current.
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Leijtens, Tomas; Giovenzana, Tommaso; Habisreutinger, Severin N; Tinkham, Jonathan S; Noel, Nakita K; Kamino, Brett A; Sadoughi, Golnaz; Sellinger, Alan; Snaith, Henry J
2016-03-09
Solar cells based on organic-inorganic perovskite semiconductor materials have recently made rapid improvements in performance, with the best cells performing at over 20% efficiency. With such rapid progress, questions such as cost and solar cell stability are becoming increasingly important to address if this new technology is to reach commercial deployment. The moisture sensitivity of commonly used organic-inorganic metal halide perovskites has especially raised concerns. Here, we demonstrate that the hygroscopic lithium salt commonly used as a dopant for the hole transport material in perovskite solar cells makes the top layer of the devices hydrophilic and causes the solar cells to rapidly degrade in the presence of moisture. By using novel, low cost, and hydrophobic hole transporters in conjunction with a doping method incorporating a preoxidized salt of the respective hole transporters, we are able to prepare efficient perovskite solar cells with greatly enhanced water resistance.
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Quantum-Dot-Based Solar Cells: Recent Advances, Strategies, and Challenges.
Kim, Mee Rahn; Ma, Dongling
2015-01-02
Among next-generation photovoltaic systems requiring low cost and high efficiency, quantum dot (QD)-based solar cells stand out as a very promising candidate because of the unique and versatile characteristics of QDs. The past decade has already seen rapid conceptual and technological advances on various aspects of QD solar cells, and diverse opportunities, which QDs can offer, predict that there is still ample room for further development and breakthroughs. In this Perspective, we first review the attractive advantages of QDs, such as size-tunable band gaps and multiple exciton generation (MEG), beneficial to solar cell applications. We then analyze major strategies, which have been extensively explored and have largely contributed to the most recent and significant achievements in QD solar cells. Finally, their high potential and challenges are discussed. In particular, QD solar cells are considered to hold immense potential to overcome the theoretical efficiency limit of 31% for single-junction cells.
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Assembly and characterization of quantum-dot solar cells
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Leschkies, Kurtis Siegfried
Environmentally clean renewable energy resources such as solar energy have gained significant attention due to a continual increase in worldwide energy demand. A variety of technologies have been developed to harness solar energy. For example, photovoltaic (or solar) cells based on silicon wafers can convert solar energy directly into electricity with high efficiency, however they are expensive to manufacture, and thus unattractive for widespread use. As the need for low-cost, solar-derived energy becomes more dire, strategies are underway to identify materials and photovoltaic device architectures that are inexpensive yet efficient compared to traditional silicon solar cells. Nanotechnology enables novel approaches to solar-to-electric energy conversion that may provide both high efficiencies and simpler manufacturing methods. For example, nanometer-size semiconductor crystallites, or semiconductor quantum dots (QDs), can be used as photoactive materials in solar cells to potentially achieve a maximum theoretical power conversion efficiency which exceeds that of current mainstay solar technology at a much lower cost. However, the novel concepts of quantum dot solar cells and their energy conversion designs are still very much in their infancy, as a general understanding of their assembly and operation is limited. This thesis introduces various innovative and novel solar cell architectures based on semiconductor QDs and provides a fundamental understanding of the operating principles that govern the performance of these solar cells. Such effort may lead to the advancement of current nanotechnology-based solar power technologies and perhaps new initiatives in nextgeneration solar energy conversion devices. We assemble QD-based solar cells by depositing photoactive QDs directly onto thin ZnO films or ZnO nanowires. In one scheme, we combine CdSe QDs and single-crystal ZnO nanowires to demonstrate a new type of quantum-dot-sensitized solar cell (QDSSC). An array of ZnO nanowires was grown vertically from a fluorine-doped-tin-oxide conducting substrate and decorated with an ensemble of CdSe QDs, capped with mercaptopropionic acid. When illuminated with visible light, the CdSe QDs absorb photons and inject electrons into the ZnO nanowires. The morphology of the nanowires then provided these photoinjected electrons with a direct and efficient electrical pathway to the photoanode. When using a liquid electrolyte as the hole transport medium, our quantum-dot-sensitized nanowire solar cells exhibited short-circuit current densities up to 2.1 mA/cm 2 and open-circuit voltages between 0.6--0.65 V when illuminated with 100 mW/cm2 of simulated AM1.5 light. Our QDSSCs also demonstrated internal quantum efficiencies as high as 50--60%, comparable to those reported for dye-sensitized solar cells made using similar nanowires. We found that the overall power conversion efficiency of these QDSSCs is largely limited by the surface area of the nanowires available for QD adsorption. Unfortunately, the QDs used to make these devices corrode in the presence of the liquid electrolyte and QDSSC performance degrades after several hours. Consequently, further improvements on the efficiency and stability of these QDSSCs required development of an optimal hole transport medium and a transition away from the liquid electrolyte. Towards improving the reliability of semiconductor QDs in solar cells, we developed a new type of all-solid-based solar cell based on heterojunctions between PbSe QDs and thin ZnO films. We found that the photovoltage obtained in these devices depends on QD size and increases linearly with the QD effective bandgap energy. Thus, these solar cells resemble traditional photovoltaic devices based on a semiconductor--semiconductor heterojunction but with the important difference that the bandgap energy of one of the semiconductors, and consequently the cell's photovoltage, can be varied by changing the size of the QDs. Under simulated 100 mW/cm2 AM1.5 illumination, these QD-based solar cells exhibit short-circuit current densities as high as 15 mA/cm2 and open-circuit voltages up to 0.45 V, larger than that achieved with solar cells based on junctions between PbSe QDs and metal films. Moreover, we found that incident-photon-to-current-conversion efficiency in these solar cells can be increased by replacing the ZnO films with a vertically-oriented array of single crystal ZnO nanowires, separated by distances comparable to the exciton diffusion length, and infiltrating this array with colloidal PbSe QDs. In this scheme, photogenerated excitons can encounter a donor--acceptor junction before they recombine. Thus, we were able to construct solar cells with thick QD absorber layers that were still capable of efficiently extracting charge despite short exciton or charge carrier diffusion lengths. When illuminated with the AM1.5 spectrum, these nanowire-based quantum-dot solar cells exhibited power conversion efficiencies approaching 2%, approximately three times higher than that achieved with thin film ZnO devices constructed with the same amount of QDs. Supporting experiments using field-effect transistors made from the PbSe QDs as well as the sensitivity of these transistors to nitrogen and oxygen gas show that the solar cells described above are unlikely to be operating like traditional p--n heterojunction solar cells. All data, including significant improvements in both photocurrent and power conversion efficiency with increasing nanowire length, suggest that these photovoltaic devices operate as excitonic solar cells.
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Planar multijunction high voltage solar cells
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Evans, J. C., Jr.; Chai, A. T.; Goradia, C.
1980-01-01
Technical considerations, preliminary results, and fabrication details are discussed for a family of high-voltage planar multi-junction (PMJ) solar cells which combine the attractive features of planar cells with conventional or interdigitated back contacts and the vertical multijunction (VMJ) solar cell. The PMJ solar cell is internally divided into many voltage-generating regions, called unit cells, which are internally connected in series. The key to obtaining reasonable performance from this device was the separation of top surface field regions over each active unit cell. Using existing solar cell fabricating methods, output voltages in excess of 20 volts per linear centimeter are possible. Analysis of the new device is complex, and numerous geometries are being studied which should provide substantial benefits in both normal sunlight usage as well as with concentrators.
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Work Station For Inverting Solar Cells
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Feder, H.; Frasch, W.
1982-01-01
Final work station along walking-beam conveyor of solar-array assembly line turns each pretabbed solar cell over, depositing it back-side-up onto landing pad, which centers cell without engaging collector surface. Solar cell arrives at inverting work station collector-side-up with two interconnect tabs attached to collector side. Cells are inverted so that second soldering operation takes place in plain view of operator. Inversion protects collector from damage when handled at later stages of assembly.
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Automated array assembly task, phase 1
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Carbajal, B. G.
1977-01-01
State-of-the-art technologies applicable to silicon solar cell and solar cell module fabrication were assessed. The assessment consisted of a technical feasibility evaluation and a cost projection for high volume production of solar cell modules. Design equations based on minimum power loss were used as a tool in the evaluation of metallization technologies. A solar cell process sensitivity study using models, computer calculations, and experimental data was used to identify process step variation and cell output variation correlations.
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Special section guest editorial: Hybrid organic-inorganic solar cells
Nogueira, Ana Flavia; Rumbles, Garry
2015-04-06
In this special section of the Journal of Photonics for Energy, there is a focus on some of the science and technology of a range of different hybrid organic-inorganic solar cells. Prior to 1991 there were many significant scientific research reports of hybrid organic-inorganic solar cells; finally, however, it wasn’t until the dye-sensitized solar cell entered the league table of certified research cell efficiencies that this area experienced an explosion of research activity.
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NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Welsh, P. E.; Schwartz, R. J.
1988-01-01
A solar cell utilizing guided optical waves and tunnel junctions was analyzed to determine its feasibility. From this analysis, it appears that the limits imposed upon conventional multiple cell systems also limit this solar cell. Due to this limitation, it appears that the relative simplicity of the conventional multiple cell systems over the solar cell make the conventional multiple cell systems the more promising candidate for improvement. It was discovered that some superlattice structures studied could be incorporated into an infrared photodetector. This photoconductor appears to be promising as a high speed, sensitive (high D sup star sub BLIP) detector in the wavelength range from 15 to over 100 micrometers.
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Semi-transparent perovskite solar cells for tandems with silicon and CIGS
Bailie, Colin D.; Christoforo, M. Greyson; Mailoa, Jonathan P.; ...
2014-12-23
A promising approach for upgrading the performance of an established low-bandgap solar technology without adding much cost is to deposit a high bandgap polycrystalline semiconductor on top to make a tandem solar cell. We use a transparent silver nanowire electrode on perovskite solar cells to achieve a semi-transparent device. We place the semi-transparent cell in a mechanically-stacked tandem configuration onto copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) and low-quality multicrystalline silicon (Si) to achieve solid-state polycrystalline tandem solar cells with a net improvement in efficiency over the bottom cell alone. Furthermore, this work paves the way for integrating perovskites into a low-costmore » and high-efficiency (>25%) tandem cell.« less
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Solar cell modules with improved backskin and methods for forming same
Hanoka, Jack I.
1998-04-21
A laminated solar cell module with a backskin layer that reduces the materials and labor required during the manufacturing process. The solar cell module includes a rigid front support layer formed of light transmitting material having first and second surfaces. A transparent encapsulant layer has a first surface disposed adjacent the second surface of the front support layer. A plurality of interconnected solar cells have a first surface disposed adjacent a second surface of the transparent encapsulant layer. The backskin layer is formed of a thermoplastic olefin, which includes first ionomer, a second ionomer, glass fiber, and carbon black. A first surface of the backskin layer is disposed adjacent a second surface of the interconnected solar cells. The transparent encapsulant layer and the backskin layer, in combination, encapsulate the interconnected solar cells. An end portion of the backskin layer can be wrapped around the edge of the module for contacting the first surface of the front support layer to form an edge seal. A laminated solar cell module with a backskin layer that reduces the materials and labor required during the manufacturing process. The solar cell module includes a rigid front support layer formed of light transmitting material having first and second surfaces. A transparent encapsulant layer has a first surface disposed adjacent the second surface of the front support layer. A plurality of interconnected solar cells have a first surface disposed adjacent a second surface of the transparent encapsulant layer. The backskin layer is formed of a thermoplastic olefin, which includes first ionomer, a second ionomer, glass fiber, and carbon black. A first surface of the backskin layer is disposed adjacent a second surface of the interconnected solar cells. The transparent encapsulant layer and the backskin layer, in combination, encapsulate the interconnected solar cells. An end portion of the backskin layer can be wrapped around the edge of the module for contacting the first surface of the front support layer to form an edge seal.
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DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Wenzel, J.
1982-11-30
Solar power station with semiconductor solar cells for generating electric power is described, wherein the semiconductor solar cells are provided on a member such as a balloon or a kite which carries the solar cells into the air. The function of the balloon or kite can also be fulfilled by a glider or airship. The solar power station can be operated by allowing the system to ascend at sunrise and descend at sunset or when the wind is going to be too strong in order to avoid any demage.
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Results of the 1979 NASA/JPL balloon flight solar cell calibration program
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Seaman, C. H.; Weiss, R. S.
1980-01-01
Calibration of solar cells to be used as reference standards in simulator testing of cells and arrays was accomplished. Thirty-eight modules were carried to an altitude of about 36 kilometers during the solar cell calibration balloon flight.
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Fixture for assembling solar panels
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Dillard, P. A.; Fritz, W. M.
1979-01-01
Vacuum fixture attaches array of silicon solar cells to mounting plate made of clear glass which holds and protects cells. Glass plate transmits, rather than absorbs, solar energy thus cooling cells for efficient operation. Device therefore reduces handling of cells and interconnecting conductors to one operation.
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A lightweight solar array study
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Josephs, R. H.
1977-01-01
A sample module was assembled to model a portion of a flexible extendable solar array, a type that promises to become the next generation of solar array design. The resulting study of this module is intended to provide technical support to the array designer for lightweight component selection, specifications, and tests. Selected from available lightweight components were 127-micron-thick wrap-around contacted solar cells, 34- micron-thick sputtered glass covers, and as a substrate a 13-micron-thick polyimide film clad with a copper printed circuit. Each component displayed weaknesses. The thin solar cells had excessive breakage losses. Sputtered glass cover adhesion was poor, and the covered cell was weaker than the cell uncovered. Thermal stresses caused some cell delamination from the model solar array substrate.
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NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Anspaugh, B. E.; Downing, R. G.
1984-01-01
Several types of silicon and gallium arsenide solar cells were irradiated with protons with energies between 50 keV and 10 MeV at both normal and isotropic incidence. Damage coefficients for maximum power relative to 10 MeV were derived for these cells for both cases of omni-directional and normal incidence. The damage coefficients for the silicon cells were found to be somewhat lower than those quoted in the Solar Cell Radiation Handbook. These values were used to compute omni-directional damage coefficients suitable for solar cells protected by coverglasses of practical thickness, which in turn were used to compute solar cell degradation in two proton-dominated orbits. In spite of the difference in the low energy proton damage coefficients, the difference between the handbook prediction and the prediction using the newly derived values was negligible. Damage coefficients for GaAs solar cells for short circuit current, open circuit voltage, and maximum power were also computed relative to 10 MeV protons. They were used to predict cell degradation in the same two orbits and in a 5600 nmi orbit. Results show the performance of the GaAs solar cells in these orbits to be superior to that of the Si cells.
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Coating Processes Boost Performance of Solar Cells
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
2012-01-01
NASA currently has spacecraft orbiting Mercury (MESSENGER), imaging the asteroid Vesta (Dawn), roaming the red plains of Mars (the Opportunity rover), and providing a laboratory for humans to advance scientific research in space (the International Space Station, or ISS). The heart of the technology that powers those missions and many others can be held in the palm of your hand - the solar cell. Solar, or photovoltaic (PV), cells are what make up the panels and arrays that draw on the Sun s light to generate electricity for everything from the Hubble Space Telescope s imaging equipment to the life support systems for the ISS. To enable NASA spacecraft to utilize the Sun s energy for exploring destinations as distant as Jupiter, the Agency has invested significant research into improving solar cell design and efficiency. Glenn Research Center has been a national leader in advancing PV technology. The Center s Photovoltaic and Power Technologies Branch has conducted numerous experiments aimed at developing lighter, more efficient solar cells that are less expensive to manufacture. Initiatives like the Forward Technology Solar Cell Experiments I and II in which PV cells developed by NASA and private industry were mounted outside the ISS have tested how various solar technologies perform in the harsh conditions of space. While NASA seeks to improve solar cells for space applications, the results are returning to Earth to benefit the solar energy industry.
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Graphene-enhanced thermal interface materials for heat removal from photovoltaic solar cells
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Saadah, M.; Gamalath, D.; Hernandez, E.; Balandin, A. A.
2016-09-01
The increase in the temperature of photovoltaic (PV) solar cells affects negatively their power conversion efficiency and decreases their lifetime. The negative effects are particularly pronounced in concentrator solar cells. Therefore, it is crucial to limit the PV cell temperature by effectively removing the excess heat. Conventional thermal phase change materials (PCMs) and thermal interface materials (TIMs) do not possess the thermal conductivity values sufficient for thermal management of the next generation of PV cells. In this paper, we report the results of investigation of the increased efficiency of PV cells with the use of graphene-enhanced TIMs. Graphene reveals the highest values of the intrinsic thermal conductivity. It was also shown that the thermal conductivity of composites can be increased via utilization of graphene fillers. We prepared TIMs with up to 6% of graphene designed specifically for PV cell application. The solar cells were tested using the solar simulation module. It was found that the drop in the output voltage of the solar panel under two-sun concentrated illumination can be reduced from 19% to 6% when grapheneenhanced TIMs are used. The proposed method can recover up to 75% of the power loss in solar cells.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Oku, Takeo; Matsumoto, Taisuke; Hiramatsu, Kouichi; Yasuda, Masashi; Shimono, Akio; Takeda, Yoshikazu; Murozono, Mikio
2015-02-01
Spherical silicon (Si) photovoltaic solar cell systems combined with an electric power inverter using silicon carbide (SiC) field-effect transistor (FET) were constructed and characterized, which were compared with an ordinary Si-based converter. The SiC-FET devices were introduced in the direct current-alternating current (DC-AC) converter, which was connected with the solar panels. The spherical Si solar cells were used as the power sources, and the spherical Si panels are lighter and more flexible compared with the ordinary flat Si solar panels. Conversion efficiencies of the spherical Si solar cells were improved by using the SiC-FET.
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NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Mueller, Robert L.
1987-01-01
Calculations of the influence of atmospheric conditions on solar cell short-circuit current (Isc) are made using a recently developed computer model for solar spectral irradiance distribution. The results isolate the dependence of Isc on changes in the spectral irradiance distribution without the direct influence of the total irradiance level. The calculated direct normal irradiance and percent diffuse irradiance are given as a reference to indicate the expected irradiance levels. This method can be applied to the calibration of photovoltaic reference cells. Graphic examples are provided for amorphous silicon and monocrystalline silicon solar cells under direct normal and global normal solar irradiances.
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Maximizing tandem solar cell power extraction using a three-terminal design
Warren, Emily L.; Deceglie, Michael G.; Rienacker, Michael; ...
2018-04-09
Three-terminal tandem solar cells can provide a robust operating mechanism to efficiently capture the solar spectrum without the need to current match sub-cells or fabricate complicated metal interconnects.
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Maximizing tandem solar cell power extraction using a three-terminal design
Warren, Emily L.; Deceglie, Michael G.; Rienäcker, Michael; ...
2018-01-01
Three-terminal tandem solar cells can provide a robust operating mechanism to efficiently capture the solar spectrum without the need to current match sub-cells or fabricate complicated metal interconnects.
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Martí, A; Luque, A
2015-04-22
Here we propose, for the first time, a solar cell characterized by a semiconductor transistor structure (n/p/n or p/n/p) where the base-emitter junction is made of a high-bandgap semiconductor and the collector is made of a low-bandgap semiconductor. We calculate its detailed-balance efficiency limit and prove that it is the same one than that of a double-junction solar cell. The practical importance of this result relies on the simplicity of the structure that reduces the number of layers that are required to match the limiting efficiency of dual-junction solar cells without using tunnel junctions. The device naturally emerges as a three-terminal solar cell and can also be used as building block of multijunction solar cells with an increased number of junctions.
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Martí, A.; Luque, A.
2015-01-01
Here we propose, for the first time, a solar cell characterized by a semiconductor transistor structure (n/p/n or p/n/p) where the base–emitter junction is made of a high-bandgap semiconductor and the collector is made of a low-bandgap semiconductor. We calculate its detailed-balance efficiency limit and prove that it is the same one than that of a double-junction solar cell. The practical importance of this result relies on the simplicity of the structure that reduces the number of layers that are required to match the limiting efficiency of dual-junction solar cells without using tunnel junctions. The device naturally emerges as a three-terminal solar cell and can also be used as building block of multijunction solar cells with an increased number of junctions. PMID:25902374
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NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Goradia, C.; Weinberg, I.
1985-01-01
Particulate radiation in space is a principal source of silicon solar cell degradation, and an investigation of cell radiation damage at higher base resistivities appears to have implication toward increasing solar cell and, therefore, useful satellite lifetimes in the space environment. However, contrary to expectations, it has been found that for cells with resistivities of 84 and 1250 ohm cm, the radiation resistance decreases as cell base resistivity increases. An analytical solar-cell computer model was developed with the objective to determine the reasons for this unexpected behavior. The present paper has the aim to describe the analytical model and its use in interpreting the behavior, under irradiation, of high-resistivity solar cells. Attention is given to boundary conditions at the space-charge region edges, cell currents, cell voltages, the generation of the theoretical I-V characteristic, experimental results, and computer calculations.
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Post passivation light trapping back contacts for silicon heterojunction solar cells.
Smeets, M; Bittkau, K; Lentz, F; Richter, A; Ding, K; Carius, R; Rau, U; Paetzold, U W
2016-11-10
Light trapping in crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar cells is an essential building block for high efficiency solar cells targeting low material consumption and low costs. In this study, we present the successful implementation of highly efficient light-trapping back contacts, subsequent to the passivation of Si heterojunction solar cells. The back contacts are realized by texturing an amorphous silicon layer with a refractive index close to the one of crystalline silicon at the back side of the silicon wafer. As a result, decoupling of optically active and electrically active layers is introduced. In the long run, the presented concept has the potential to improve light trapping in monolithic Si multijunction solar cells as well as solar cell configurations where texturing of the Si absorber surfaces usually results in a deterioration of the electrical properties. As part of this study, different light-trapping textures were applied to prototype silicon heterojunction solar cells. The best path length enhancement factors, at high passivation quality, were obtained with light-trapping textures based on randomly distributed craters. Comparing a planar reference solar cell with an absorber thickness of 280 μm and additional anti-reflection coating, the short-circuit current density (J SC ) improves for a similar solar cell with light-trapping back contact. Due to the light trapping back contact, the J SC is enhanced around 1.8 mA cm -2 to 38.5 mA cm -2 due to light trapping in the wavelength range between 1000 nm and 1150 nm.
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Sahin, Mehmet
2018-05-23
In this study, the effects of the shell material and confinement type on the conversion efficiency of core/shell quantum dot nanocrystal (QDNC) solar cells have been investigated in detail. For this purpose, the conventional, i.e. original, detailed balance model, developed by Shockley and Queisser to calculate an upper limit for the conversion efficiency of silicon p-n junction solar cells, is modified in a simple and effective way to calculate the conversion efficiency of core/shell QDNC solar cells. Since the existing model relies on the gap energy ([Formula: see text]) of the solar cell, it does not make an estimation about the effect of QDNC materials on the efficiency of the solar cells, and gives the same efficiency values for several QDNC solar cells with the same [Formula: see text]. The proposed modification, however, estimates a conversion efficiency in relation to the material properties and also the confinement type of the QDNCs. The results of the modified model show that, in contrast to the original one, the conversion efficiencies of different QDNC solar cells, even if they have the same [Formula: see text], become different depending upon the confinement type and shell material of the core/shell QDNCs, and this is crucial in the design and fabrication of the new generation solar cells to predict the confinement type and also appropriate QDNC materials for better efficiency.
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Photo-recovery of electron-irradiated GaAs solar cells
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Meulenberg, Andrew
1995-01-01
The first long-term (3000 hours) UV testing of unirradiated and 1 MeV electron-irradiated GaAs solar cells, with multilayer-coated coverslides to reduce solar array operating temperature, has produced some unexpected and important results. Two results, independent of the coverslide coatings, are of particular importance in terms of the predictability of GaAs solar-array lifetime in space: ( 1) The GaAs/Ge solar cells used for this series of tests displayed a much higher radiation degradation than that predicted based on JPL Solar Cell Radiation Handbook data. Covered cells degraded more in Isc than did bare cells. Short-term illumination at 60 C did not produce significant recovery (-1%) of the radiation damage. (2) However, electron radiation damage to these GaAs solar celIs anneals at 40 C when exposed to approximately 1 sun AM0 UV light sources for extended periods. The effect appears to be roughly linear with time (-1% of lsc per 1000 UVSH), is large (greater than or equal to 3%), and has not yet saturated (at 3000 hours). This photo-recovery of radiation damage to GaAs solar cells is a new effect and potentially important to the spacecraft community. The figure compares the effects of extended UV on irradiated and unirradiated GaAs solar cells with INTELSAT-6 Si cells. The effect and its generality, the extent of and conditions for photo-recovery, and the implications of such recovery for missions in radiation environments have not yet been determined.
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Modeling and Simulation of III-Nitride-Based Solar Cells using NextnanoRTM
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Refaei, Malak
Nextnano3 software is a well-known package for simulating semiconductor band-structures at the nanoscale and predicting the general electronic structure. In this work, it is further demonstrated as a viable tool for the simulation of III-nitride solar cells. In order to prove this feasibility, the generally accepted solar cell simulation package, PC1D, was chosen for comparison. To critique the results from both PC1D and Nextnano3, the fundamental drift-diffusion equations were used to calculate the performance of a simple p-n homojunction solar cell device analytically. Silicon was picked as the material for this comparison between the outputs of the two simulators as well as the results of the drift-diffusion equations because it is a well-known material in both software tools. After substantiating the capabilities of Nextnano3 for the simulation solar cells, an InGaN single-junction solar cell was simulated. The effects of various indium compositions and device structures on the performance of this InGaN p-n homojunction solar cell was then investigated using Nextnano 3 as a simulation tool. For single-junction devices with varying bandgap, an In0.6Ga0.4N device with a bandgap of 1.44 eV was found to be the optimum. The results of this research demonstrate that the Nextnano3 software can be used to usefully simulate solar cells in general, and III-nitride solar cells specifically, for future study of nanoscale structured devices.
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Solar Cell and Array Technology Development for NASA Solar Electric Propulsion Missions
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Piszczor, Michael; McNatt, Jeremiah; Mercer, Carolyn; Kerslake, Tom; Pappa, Richard
2012-01-01
NASA is currently developing advanced solar cell and solar array technologies to support future exploration activities. These advanced photovoltaic technology development efforts are needed to enable very large (multi-hundred kilowatt) power systems that must be compatible with solar electric propulsion (SEP) missions. The technology being developed must address a wide variety of requirements and cover the necessary advances in solar cell, blanket integration, and large solar array structures that are needed for this class of missions. Th is paper will summarize NASA's plans for high power SEP missions, initi al mission studies and power system requirements, plans for advanced photovoltaic technology development, and the status of specific cell and array technology development and testing that have already been conducted.
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NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Gauthier, M. K.; Miller, E. L.; Shumka, A.
1980-01-01
Laser-Scanning System pinpoints imperfections in solar cells. Entire solar panels containing large numbers of cells can be scanned. Although technique is similar to use of scanning electron microscope (SEM) to locate microscopic imperfections, it differs in that large areas may be examined, including entire solar panels, and it is not necessary to remove cover glass or encapsulants.
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Results of the 1981 NASA/JPL balloon flight solar cell calibration program
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Seaman, C. H.; Weiss, R. S.
1982-01-01
The calibration of the direct conversion of solar energy through use of solar cells at high altitudes by balloon flight is reported. Twenty seven modules were carried to an altitude of 35.4 kilometers. Silicon cells are stable for long periods of time and can be used as standards. It is demonstrated that the cell mounting cavity may be either black or white with equal validity in setting solar simulators. The calibrated cells can be used as reference standards in simulator testing of cells and arrays.
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10.2% power conversion efficiency polymer tandem solar cells consisting of two identical sub-cells.
You, Jingbi; Chen, Chun-Chao; Hong, Ziruo; Yoshimura, Ken; Ohya, Kenichiro; Xu, Run; Ye, Shenglin; Gao, Jing; Li, Gang; Yang, Yang
2013-08-07
Polymer tandem solar cells with 10.2% power conversion efficiency are demonstrated via stacking two PDTP-DFBT:PC₇₁ BM bulk heterojunctions, connected by MoO₃/PEDOT:PSS/ZnO as an interconnecting layer. The tandem solar cells increase the power conversion efficiency of the PDTP-DFBT:PC₇₁ BM system from 8.1% to 10.2%, successfully demonstrating polymer tandem solar cells with identical sub-cells of double-digit efficiency. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.
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NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Wolf, M.
1981-01-01
The effect of solar cell metallization pattern design on solar cell performance and the costs and performance effects of different metallization processes are discussed. Definitive design rules for the front metallization pattern for large area solar cells are presented. Chemical and physical deposition processes for metallization are described and compared. An economic evaluation of the 6 principal metallization options is presented. Instructions for preparing Format A cost data for solar cell manufacturing processes from UPPC forms for input into the SAMIC computer program are presented.
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Gupta, Vinay; Bharti, Vishal; Kumar, Mahesh; Chand, Suresh; Heeger, Alan J
2015-08-01
Optically resonant donor polymers can exploit a wider range of the solar spectrum effectively without a complicated tandem design in an organic solar cell. Ultrafast Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) in a polymer-polymer system that significantly improves the power conversion efficiency in bulk heterojunction polymer solar cells from 6.8% to 8.9% is demonstrated, thus paving the way to achieving 15% efficient solar cells. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.
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Summary of high efficiency silicon solar cell meeting held at NASA-Lewis
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Bernatowicz, D. T.
1975-01-01
Attempts made to raise the efficiency of solar cells for space use are reported. The Helios, violet, and non-reflective cells were studied and it was concluded that the maximum practical efficiency of silicon solar cells is between 17 and 20%.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Jampana, Balakrishnam R.
The III-nitride semiconductor material system, which consists of InN, GaN, AlN and their alloys, offers a substantial potential in developing ultra-high efficiency photovoltaics mainly due to its wide range of direct-bandgap (0.7 eV -- 3.4 eV), and other electronic, optical and mechanical properties. However, this novel InGaN material system poses technological challenges which extended into the performance of InGaN devices. The development of wide-band gap p--n InGaN homojunction solar cells with bandgap < 2.4 eV is investigated in the present work. The growth, fabrication and characterization of a 2.7 eV bandgap InGaN solar cell with a 1.73 eV open-circuit voltage is demonstrated. Limited solar cell performance, in terms of short-circuit current and efficiency, is observed. The poor performance of the InGaN solar cell is related to the formation of extended crystalline defects in InGaN epilayers of the solar cell structure. To investigate the influence of extended crystalline defects on InGaN epilayer properties, a few In0.12Ga0.88N epilayers with different thicknesses are grown and characterized for structural properties using high-resolution X-ray diffraction. The structural parameters, modeled as mosaic blocks, indicate deterioration in InGaN crystal quality when the film thickness exceeds a critical layer thickness. An associated increase in density of threading dislocations with deteriorated InGaN crystal quality is observed. The critical layer thickness is determined for a few InGaN compositions in the range of 6 -- 21 % In, and it decreases with increasing InGaN composition. Surface roughening and formation of V-defects are observed on InGaN surface beyond the critical layer thickness. An Urbach tail in optical absorption of InGaN epilayer is observed and it is related to the formation of V-defects. The direct consequence of light absorption via V-defects is a decrease in photoluminescence peak intensity with increasing InGaN epilayer thickness beyond critical layer thickness. Two p-i-n InGaN solar cell structures were designed, with InGaN epilayer thickness in one solar cell greater than the critical layer thickness and the other with a lower thickness, to investigate the influence of V-defects on performance of the solar cells. The photoresponse of the p-i-n InGaN solar cell with thicker InGaN epilayer is poor, while the other solar cell had good photoresponse and external quantum efficiency. Extending this investigation to a p-n InGaN solar cell, a solar cell with total InGaN epilayer less than the critical layer thickness is grown. The photoresponse and external quantum efficiency of the present solar cell is superior compared to the initially designed p-n InGaN homojunction solar cells. Solar cell characteristics without p-GaN capping layer in the above p-n InGaN solar cell are also investigated. Good open-circuit voltage is observed, but the short-circuit current and efficiency are limited by the formation of extended crystalline defects, as observed with other initial solar cell designs. A processing sequence is developed to coat III-nitride sidewalls, created during fabrication to form electrical contacts, with SiO2 to maximize the active device area and minimize accidental damage of solar cell during fabrication. Additionally, deposition of current spreading layers on p-type III-nitride epilayer to reduce the series resistance is evaluated. The III-nitrides are primarily grown on sapphire substrate and in a continued effort they are realized later on silicon substrate. InGaN solar cell structures were grown simultaneously on GaN/sapphire and GaN/silicon templates and their photoresponse is compared.
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Realization of GaInP/Si dual-junction solar cells with 29.8% 1-sun efficiency
Essig, Stephanie; Steiner, Myles A.; Allebe, Christophe; ...
2016-04-27
Combining a Si solar cell with a high-bandgap top cell reduces the thermalization losses in the short wavelength and enables theoretical 1-sun efficiencies far over 30%. We have investigated the fabrication and optimization of Si-based tandem solar cells with 1.8-eV rear-heterojunction GaInP top cells. The III-V and Si heterojunction subcells were fabricated separately and joined by mechanical stacking using electrically insulating optically transparent interlayers. Our GaInP/Si dual-junction solar cells have achieved a certified cumulative 1-sun efficiency of 29.8% ± 0.6% (AM1.5g) in four-terminal operation conditions, which exceeds the record 1-sun efficiencies achieved with both III-V and Si single-junction solar cells.more » Furthermore, the effect of luminescent coupling between the subcells has been investigated, and optical losses in the solar cell structure have been addressed.« less
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Di, Dawei; Perez-Wurfl, Ivan; Gentle, Angus; Kim, Dong-Ho; Hao, Xiaojing; Shi, Lei; Conibeer, Gavin; Green, Martin A
2010-08-01
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 treatments such as phosphoric acid (H(3)PO(4)) etching, nitrogen (N(2)) gas anneal and forming gas (Ar: H(2)) anneal on the cells' electrical and photovoltaic properties are investigated. The Si QD solar cells studied in this work have achieved an open circuit voltage of 410 mV after various processes. Parameters extracted from dark I-V, light I-V and circular transfer length measurement (CTLM) suggest limiting mechanism in the Si QD solar cell operation and possible approaches for further improvement.
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Kim, Kang-Pil; Hwang, Dae-Kue; Woo, Sung-Ho; Kim, Dae-Hwan
2018-09-01
The Ag nanowire (NW) + Au nanoparticle (NP)-embedded TiO2 photoelectrodes were adopted for conventional planar TiO2-based Sb2S3 hybrid solar cells to improve the cell efficiency. Compared to conventional planar TiO2-based Sb2S3 hybrid solar cells, the Ag NW + Au NP/TiO2-based Sb2S3 hybrid solar cells exhibited an improvement of approximately 40% in the cell efficiency due to the significant increase in both Jsc and Voc. These enhanced Jsc and Voc were attributed to the increased surface area, charge-collection efficiency, and light absorption by embedding the Ag NWs + Au NPs composite. The Ag NW + Au NP/TiO2-based Sb2S3 hybrid solar cells showed the highest efficiency of 2.17%, demonstrating that the Ag NW + Au NP-embedded TiO2 photoelectrode was a suitable photoelectrode structure to improve the power conversion efficiency in the Sb2S3 hybrid solar cells.
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Space radiation effects in InP solar cells
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Walters, R. J.; Messenger, S. R.; Summers, G. P.; Burke, E. A.; Keavney, C. J.
1991-12-01
InP solar cells and mesa diodes grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) were irradiated with electrons and protons at room temperature. The radiation-induced defects (RIDs) were characterized by deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS), and the degradation of the solar cell performance was determined through I-V measurements. The nonionizing energy loss (NIEL) of electrons and protons in InP was calculated as a function of energy from 1 to 200 MeV and compared to the measured defect introduction rates. A linear dependence was evident. InP solar cells showed significantly more radiation resistance than c-Si or GaAs/Ge cells under 1 MeV electron irradiation. Using the calculated InP damage rates and measured damage factors, the performance of InP solar cells as a function of orbital altitude and time in orbit was predicted and compared with the performance of c-Si solar cells in the same environment. In all cases, the InP cells showed highly superior radiation resistance.
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Realization of GaInP/Si dual-junction solar cells with 29.8% 1-sun efficiency
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Essig, Stephanie; Steiner, Myles A.; Allebe, Christophe
Combining a Si solar cell with a high-bandgap top cell reduces the thermalization losses in the short wavelength and enables theoretical 1-sun efficiencies far over 30%. We have investigated the fabrication and optimization of Si-based tandem solar cells with 1.8-eV rear-heterojunction GaInP top cells. The III-V and Si heterojunction subcells were fabricated separately and joined by mechanical stacking using electrically insulating optically transparent interlayers. Our GaInP/Si dual-junction solar cells have achieved a certified cumulative 1-sun efficiency of 29.8% ± 0.6% (AM1.5g) in four-terminal operation conditions, which exceeds the record 1-sun efficiencies achieved with both III-V and Si single-junction solar cells.more » Furthermore, the effect of luminescent coupling between the subcells has been investigated, and optical losses in the solar cell structure have been addressed.« less
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Results from the IMP-J violet solar cell experiment and violet cell balloon flights
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Gaddy, E. M.
1976-01-01
The Interplanetary Monitoring Platform-J violet solar cell experiment was flown in an orbit with mild thermal cycling and low hard-particle radiation. The results of the experiment show that violet cells degrade at about the same rate as conventional cells in such an orbit. Balloon flight measurements show that violet solar cells produce approximately 20% more power than conventional cells.
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Results from the IMP-J violet solar cell experiment and violet cell balloon flights
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Gaddy, E. M.
1976-01-01
The IMP-J violet solar cell experiment was flown in an orbit with mild thermal cycling and low hard particle radiation. The results of the experiment show that violet cells degrade at about the same rate as conventional cells in such an orbit. Balloon flight measurements show that violet solar cells produce approximately 20% more power than conventional cells.
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New experimental techniques for solar cells
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Lenk, R.
1993-01-01
Solar cell capacitance has special importance for an array controlled by shunting. Experimental measurements of solar cell capacitance in the past have shown disagreements of orders of magnitude. Correct measurement technique depends on maintaining the excitation voltage less than the thermal voltage. Two different experimental methods are shown to match theory well, and two effective capacitances are defined for quantifying the effect of the solar cell capacitance on the shunting system.
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2015-07-01
optical loss mechanism, which limits the efficiency of the PV device.1 Photon absorption needs to occur inside the solar cell active region (near the...Aluminum Gallium Arsenide Solar Cells by Kimberley A Olver Approved for public release; distribution unlimited...Development of a Multi-layer Anti-reflective Coating for Gallium Arsenide/Aluminum Gallium Arsenide Solar Cells by Kimberley A Olver
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Phase 1 of the automated array assembly task of the low cost silicon solar array project
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Coleman, M. G.; Pryor, R. A.; Grenon, L. A.; Lesk, I. A.
1977-01-01
The state of technology readiness for the automated production of solar cells and modules is reviewed. Individual process steps and process sequences for making solar cells and modules were evaluated both technically and economically. High efficiency with a suggested cell goal of 15% was stressed. It is concluded that the technology exists to manufacture solar cells which will meet program goals.
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Olson, J.M.
1994-08-30
A high-efficiency single heterojunction solar cell is described wherein a thin emitter layer (preferably Ga[sub 0.52]In[sub 0.48]P) forms a heterojunction with a GaAs absorber layer. The conversion efficiency of the solar cell is at least 25.7%. The solar cell preferably includes a passivating layer between the substrate and the absorber layer. An anti-reflection coating is preferably disposed over the emitter layer. 1 fig.
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Shi, Zhengqi; Jayatissa, Ahalapitiya H
2017-12-27
Commercial solar cells have a power conversion efficiency (PCE) in the range of 10-22% with different light absorbers. Graphene, with demonstrated unique structural, physical, and electrical properties, is expected to bring the positive effects on the development of thin film solar cells. Investigations have been carried out to understand whether graphene can be used as a front and back contacts and active interfacial layer in solar cell fabrication. In this review, the current progress of this research is analyzed, starting from the graphene and graphene-based Schottky diode. Also, the discussion was focused on the progress of graphene-incorporated thin film solar cells that were fabricated with different light absorbers, in particular, the synthesis, fabrication, and characterization of devices. The effect of doping and layer thickness of graphene on PCE was also included. Currently, the PCE of graphene-incorporated bulk-heterojunction devices have enhanced in the range of 0.5-3%. However, device durability and cost-effectiveness are also the challenging factors for commercial production of graphene-incorporated solar cells. In addition to the application of graphene, graphene oxides have been also used in perovskite solar cells. The current needs and likely future investigations for graphene-incorporated solar cells are also discussed.
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Gärtner, Stefan; Clulow, Andrew J; Howard, Ian A; Gilbert, Elliot P; Burn, Paul L; Gentle, Ian R; Colsmann, Alexander
2017-12-13
Nanoparticle dispersions open up an ecofriendly route toward printable organic solar cells. They can be formed from a variety of organic semiconductors by using miniemulsions that employ surfactants to stabilize the nanoparticles in dispersion and to prevent aggregation. However, whenever surfactant-based nanoparticle dispersions have been used to fabricate solar cells, the reported performances remain moderate. In contrast, solar cells from nanoparticle dispersions formed by precipitation (without surfactants) can exhibit power conversion efficiencies close to those of state-of-the-art solar cells processed from blend solutions using chlorinated solvents. In this work, we use small-angle neutron scattering measurements and transient absorption spectroscopy to investigate why surfactant-free nanoparticles give rise to efficient organic solar cells. We show that surfactant-free nanoparticles comprise a uniform distribution of small semiconductor domains, similar to that of bulk-heterojunction films formed using traditional solvent processing. This observation differs from surfactant-based miniemulsion nanoparticles that typically exhibit core-shell structures. Hence, the surfactant-free nanoparticles already possess the optimum morphology for efficient energy conversion before they are assembled into the photoactive layer of a solar cell. This structural property underpins the superior performance of the solar cells containing surfactant-free nanoparticles and is an important design criterion for future nanoparticle inks.
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Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes in Solar Cells.
Jeon, Il; Matsuo, Yutaka; Maruyama, Shigeo
2018-01-22
Photovoltaics, more generally known as solar cells, are made from semiconducting materials that convert light into electricity. Solar cells have received much attention in recent years due to their promise as clean and efficient light-harvesting devices. Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) could play a crucial role in these devices and have been the subject of much research, which continues to this day. SWNTs are known to outperform multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) at low densities, because of the difference in their optical transmittance for the same current density, which is the most important parameter in comparing SWNTs and MWNTs. SWNT films show semiconducting features, which make SWNTs function as active or charge-transporting materials. This chapter, consisting of two sections, focuses on the use of SWNTs in solar cells. In the first section, we discuss SWNTs as a light harvester and charge transporter in the photoactive layer, which are reviewed chronologically to show the history of the research progress. In the second section, we discuss SWNTs as a transparent conductive layer outside of the photoactive layer, which is relatively more actively researched. This section introduces SWNT applications in silicon solar cells, organic solar cells, and perovskite solar cells each, from their prototypes to recent results. As we go along, the science and prospects of the application of solar cells will be discussed.
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Zhang, Jingyi; Gao, Xianfeng; Deng, Yelin; Li, Bingbing; Yuan, Chris
2015-11-01
Perovskite solar cells have attracted enormous attention in recent years due to their low cost and superior technical performance. However, the use of toxic metals, such as lead, in the perovskite dye and toxic chemicals in perovskite solar cell manufacturing causes grave concerns for its environmental performance. To understand and facilitate the sustainable development of perovskite solar cell technology from its design to manufacturing, a comprehensive environmental impact assessment has been conducted on titanium dioxide nanotube based perovskite solar cells by using an attributional life cycle assessment approach, from cradle to gate, with manufacturing data from our laboratory-scale experiments and upstream data collected from professional databases and the literature. The results indicate that the perovskite dye is the primary source of environmental impact, associated with 64.77% total embodied energy and 31.38% embodied materials consumption, contributing to more than 50% of the life cycle impact in almost all impact categories, although lead used in the perovskite dye only contributes to about 1.14% of the human toxicity potential. A comparison of perovskite solar cells with commercial silicon and cadmium-tellurium solar cells reveals that perovskite solar cells could be a promising alternative technology for future large-scale industrial applications. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.
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Baek, Seung-Wook; Shim, Jae-Hyoung; Seung, Hyun-Min; Lee, Gon-Sub; Hong, Jin-Pyo; Lee, Kwang-Sup; Park, Jea-Gun
2014-11-07
Silicon solar cells mainly absorb visible light, although the sun emits ultraviolet (UV), visible, and infrared light. Because the surface reflectance of a textured surface with SiNX film on a silicon solar cell in the UV wavelength region (250-450 nm) is higher than ∼27%, silicon solar-cells cannot effectively convert UV light into photo-voltaic power. We implemented the concept of energy-down-shift using CdSe/ZnS core/shell quantum-dots (QDs) on p-type silicon solar-cells to absorb more UV light. CdSe/ZnS core/shell QDs demonstrated clear evidence of energy-down-shift, which absorbed UV light and emitted green-light photoluminescence signals at a wavelength of 542 nm. The implementation of 0.2 wt% (8.8 nm QDs layer) green-light emitting CdSe/ZnS core/shell QDs reduced the surface reflectance of the textured surface with SiNX film on a silicon solar-cell from 27% to 15% and enhanced the external quantum efficiency (EQE) of silicon solar-cells to around 30% in the UV wavelength region, thereby enhancing the power conversion efficiency (PCE) for p-type silicon solar-cells by 5.5%.
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Shi, Zhengqi; Jayatissa, Ahalapitiya H.
2017-01-01
Commercial solar cells have a power conversion efficiency (PCE) in the range of 10–22% with different light absorbers. Graphene, with demonstrated unique structural, physical, and electrical properties, is expected to bring the positive effects on the development of thin film solar cells. Investigations have been carried out to understand whether graphene can be used as a front and back contacts and active interfacial layer in solar cell fabrication. In this review, the current progress of this research is analyzed, starting from the graphene and graphene-based Schottky diode. Also, the discussion was focused on the progress of graphene-incorporated thin film solar cells that were fabricated with different light absorbers, in particular, the synthesis, fabrication, and characterization of devices. The effect of doping and layer thickness of graphene on PCE was also included. Currently, the PCE of graphene-incorporated bulk-heterojunction devices have enhanced in the range of 0.5–3%. However, device durability and cost-effectiveness are also the challenging factors for commercial production of graphene-incorporated solar cells. In addition to the application of graphene, graphene oxides have been also used in perovskite solar cells. The current needs and likely future investigations for graphene-incorporated solar cells are also discussed. PMID:29280964
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Molecular and Nanoscale Engineering of High Efficiency Excitonic Solar Cells
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Jenekhe, Samson A.; Ginger, David S.; Cao, Guozhong
We combined the synthesis of new polymers and organic-inorganic hybrid materials with new experimental characterization tools to investigate bulk heterojunction (BHJ) polymer solar cells and hybrid organic-inorganic solar cells during the 2007-2010 period (phase I) of this project. We showed that the bulk morphology of polymer/fullerene blend solar cells could be controlled by using either self-assembled polymer semiconductor nanowires or diblock poly(3-alkylthiophenes) as the light-absorbing and hole transport component. We developed new characterization tools in-house, including photoinduced absorption (PIA) spectroscopy, time-resolved electrostatic force microscopy (TR-EFM) and conductive and photoconductive atomic force microscopy (c-AFM and pc-AFM), and used them to investigatemore » charge transfer and recombination dynamics in polymer/fullerene BHJ solar cells, hybrid polymer-nanocrystal (PbSe) devices, and dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs); we thus showed in detail how the bulk photovoltaic properties are connected to the nanoscale structure of the BHJ polymer solar cells. We created various oxide semiconductor (ZnO, TiO 2) nanostructures by solution processing routes, including hierarchical aggregates and nanorods/nanotubes, and showed that the nanostructured photoanodes resulted in substantially enhanced light-harvesting and charge transport, leading to enhanced power conversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells.« less
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Crystalline silicon photovoltaics via low-temperature TiO 2/Si and PEDOT/Si heterojunctions
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Nagamatsu, Ken Alfred
The most important goals in developing solar cell technology are to achieve high power conversion efficiencies and lower costs of manufacturing. Solar cells based on crystalline silicon currently dominate the market because they can achieve high efficiency. However, conventional p-n junction solar cells require high-temperature diffusions of dopants, and conventional heterojunction cells based on amorphous silicon require plasma-enhanced deposition, both of which can add manufacturing costs. This dissertation investigates an alternative approach, which is to form crystalline-silicon-based solar cells using heterojunctions with materials that are easily deposited at low temperatures and without plasma enhancement, such as organic semiconductors and metal oxides. We demonstrate a heterojunction between the organic polymer, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT), and crystalline silicon, which acts as a hole-selective contact and an alternative to a diffused p-n junction. We also present the use of a heterojunction between titanium dioxide and crystalline silicon as a passivating electron-selective contact. The Si/TiO2 heterojunction is demonstrated for the first time as a back-surface field in a crystalline silicon solar cell, and is incorporated into a PEDOT/Si device. The resulting PEDOT/Si/TiO2 solar cell represents an alternative to conventional silicon solar cells that rely on thermally-diffused junctions or plasma-deposited heterojunctions. Finally, we investigate the merits of using conductive networks of silver nanowires to enhance the photovoltaic performance of PEDOT/Si solar cells. The investigation of these materials and devices contributes to the growing body of work regarding crystalline silicon solar cells made with selective contacts.
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Thin film, concentrator, and multijunction space solar cells: Status and potential
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Flood, Dennis J.
1991-01-01
Recent, rapid advances in a variety of solar cell technologies offer the potential for significantly enhancing, or enabling entirely new, mission capabilities. Thin film solar cells are of particular interest. A review is provided of the status of those thin film cell technologies of interest for space applications, and the issues to be resolved before mission planners can consider them. A short summary of recent developments in concentrator and multijunction space solar cell and array technology is given.
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Thin film, concentrator and multijunction space solar cells: Status and potential
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Flood, Dennis J.
1991-01-01
Recent, rapid advances in a variety of solar cell technologies offer the potential for significantly enhancing, or enabling entirely new, mission capabilities. Thin film solar cells are of particular interest in that regard. A review is provided of the status of those thin film cell technologies of interest for space applications, and the issues to be resolved before mission planners can consider them. A short summary is also given of recent developments in concentrator and multijunction space solar cell and array technology.
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High resolution TEM and 3D imaging of polymer-based and dye-sensitized solar cells
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Suh, Youngjoon
Since 1950s, solar energy has been the most attractive energy source as an alternative to fossil fuels including oil and natural gas. However, these types of solar cells have high raw material and manufacturing costs. So, alternative solar cells using low cost materials and manufacturing processes have been actively studied for more than 10 years. The power conversion efficiency of some of the alternative solar cells has been recently improved so much as to be used for real life applications in the near future. However, their relatively short lifetime still remains as a bottleneck in their commercialized use. In this dissertation, we studied cross sections of three types of solar cells using TEM micrographs and TEM related analysis methods; selected area diffraction, energy dispersive spectroscopy, electron tomography, and nanobeam diffraction. A thin Ag layer used for a top metal electrode in an inverted polymer solar cell was broken down into particles. Absorption of water by the PEDOT:PSS layer followed by corrosion of the Ag layer was thought to be the main cause of this phenomenon. The structure and materials of the photoactive layer in hybrid polymer solar cells have an important influence on the performance of the solar cell devices. Three kinds of efforts were made to improve the electrical characteristics of the devices; removal of a dark TiO2 layer at the polymer/TiO2 interface, using bulk heterojunction structures, and coating a fullerene interlayer on the inorganic nanostructure. An optimum concentration of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) combined with Ru could increase the interface area of CNTs, and improve the performances of dye sensitized solar cells. In order to develop plastic solar cell, two different methods of mixing TiO2 particles with either nanoglues or PMMA were tried. Cross-sectional TEM microstructures were examined to come up with optimum processing parameters such as the sintering temperature and the amount of PMMA added into the structure. Cross-sectional TEM and electron tomography have been very useful for developing new kinds of solar cell structures as well as finding various defects in the structures.
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Modeling of the Electric Characteristics of Solar Cells
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Logan, Benjamin; Tzolov, Marian
The purpose of a solar cell is to covert solar energy, through means of photovoltaic action, into a sustainable electrical current that produces usable electricity. The electrical characteristics of solar cells can be modeled to better understand how they function. As an electrical device, solar cells can be conveniently represented as an equivalent electrical circuit with an ideal diode, ideal current source for the photovoltaic action, a shunt resistor for recombination, a resistor in series to account for contact resistance, and a resistor modeling external power consumption. The values of these elements have been modified to model dark and illumination states. Fitting the model to the experimental current voltage characteristics allows to determine the values of the equivalent circuit elements. Comparing values of open circuit voltage, short circuit current, and shunt resistor can determine factors such as the amount of recombination to diagnose problems in solar cells. The many measurable quantities of a solar cell's characteristics give guidance for the design when they are related with microscopic processes.
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Flat-plate solar array project. Volume 4: High-efficiency solar cells
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Leipold, M.; Cheng, L.; Daud, T.; Mokashi, A.; Burger, D.; Christensen, E. (Editor); Murry, J. (Editor); Bengelsdorf, I. (Editor)
1986-01-01
The High Efficiency Solar Cell Task was assigned the objective of understanding and developing high efficiency solar cell devices that would meet the cost and performance goals of the Flat Plate Solar Array (FSA) Project. The need for research dealing with high efficiency devices was considered important because of the role efficiency plays in reducing price per watt of generated energy. The R&D efforts conducted during the 1982 to 1986 period are summarized to provide understanding and control of energy conversion losses associated with crystalline silicon solar cells. New levels of conversion efficiency were demonstrated. Major contributions were made both to the understanding and reduction of bulk and surface losses in solar cells. For example, oxides, nitrides, and polysilicon were all shown to be potentially useful surface passivants. Improvements in measurement techniques were made and Auger coefficients and spectral absorption data were obtained for unique types of silicon sheets. New modelling software was developed including a program to optimize a device design based on input characteristics of a cell.
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Enhanced photovoltaic performance of an inclined nanowire array solar cell.
Wu, Yao; Yan, Xin; Zhang, Xia; Ren, Xiaomin
2015-11-30
An innovative solar cell based on inclined p-i-n nanowire array is designed and analyzed. The results show that the inclined geometry can sufficiently increase the conversion efficiency of solar cells by enhancing the absorption of light in the active region. By tuning the nanowire array density, nanowire diameter, nanowire length, as well as the proportion of intrinsic region of the inclined nanowire solar cell, a remarkable efficiency in excess of 16% can be obtained in GaAs. Similar results have been obtained in InP and Si nanowire solar cells, demonstrating the universality of the performance enhancement of inclined nanowire arrays.
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Mechanics analysis of the multi-point-load process for the thin film solar cell
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Wang, Zhiming; Wei, Guangpu; Gong, Zhengbang
2008-02-01
The main element of thin film solar cell is silicon. Because of the special mechanical characteristic of silicon, the method of loading pressure on the thin film solar cell and the value of pressure is the key problem which must be solved during the manufacturing of thin film solar cell. This paper describes the special mechanical characteristic of silicon, discussed the test method overall; value of pressure on thin film solar cell; the elements and the method of load by ANSYS finite element, according to these theory analysis, we obtained the key conclusion in the actual operation, these result have a great meaning in industry.
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Solar photovoltaics: current state and trends
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Milichko, V. A.; Shalin, A. S.; Mukhin, I. S.; Kovrov, A. E.; Krasilin, A. A.; Vinogradov, A. V.; Belov, P. A.; Simovski, C. R.
2016-08-01
Basic aspects of current solar photovoltaics (PVs) are reviewed, starting from the recently developed already-on-the-market first-generation solar cells and ending with promising but not yet commercialized third-generation cells and materials possibly leading to new cell designs. The emphasis is on the physical principles of operation of various solar cells, which are divided into several groups according to our classification scheme. To make the picture complete, some technological and economic aspects of the field are discussed. A separate chapter considers antireflection coatings and light-trapping textures — structures which, while not having appeared yet in the PV review literature, are an integral part of the solar cells.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Liang, Jingjing; Liang, Chunjun; Zhang, Huimin; Sun, Mengjie; Liu, Hong; Ji, Chao; Zhang, Xuewen; Li, Dan; He, Zhiqun
Organic-inorganic halide perovskites are currently generating extensive interest for applications in solar cells. The perovskite morphology and composition have significant roles in solar cells. Impure phases, which will influence the performance of solar cells, are inevitably present in the film of perovskite. We found that another MAI deposition on the previous perovskite could ameliorate the film. The post-deposited MAI participates in the reconstruction of the perovskite, leading to reduced amount of impure phase, increased grain size, increased absorption and significantly improved power conversion efficiency. The results demonstrate a treatment approach to fabricate efficient planar heterojunction perovskite solar cells.
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Recent progress of dopant-free organic hole-transporting materials in perovskite solar cells
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Dongxue, Liu; Liu, Yongsheng
2017-01-01
Organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells have undergone especially intense research and transformation over the past seven years due to their enormous progress in conversion efficiencies. In this perspective, we review the latest developments of conventional perovskite solar cells with a main focus on dopant-free organic hole transporting materials (HTMs). Regarding the rapid progress of perovskite solar cells, stability of devices using dopant-free HTMs are also discussed to help readers understand the challenges and opportunities in high performance and stable perovskite solar cells. Project supported by the Scientific Research Starting Foundation for Overseas Introduced Talents of College of Chemistry, Nankai University.
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Long-term temperature effects on GaAs solar cells
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Heinbockel, J. H.; Hong, K. H.
1979-01-01
The thermal degradation of AlGaAs solar cells resulting from a long-term operation in a space environment is investigated. The solar cell degradation effects caused by zinc and aluminum diffusion as well as deterioration by arsenic evaporation are presented. Also, the results are presented of experimental testing and measurements of various GaAs solar cell properties while the solar cell was operating in the temperature range of 27 C to 350 C. In particular, the properties of light current voltage curves, dark current voltage curves, and spectral response characteristics are given. Finally, some theoretical models for the annealing of radiation damage over various times and temperatures are included.
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Reliability Improvement in III-V Concentrator Solar Cells by Means of Perimeter Protection
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
González, José R.; Vázquez, Manuel; Núñez, Neftalí; Algora, Carlos; Espinet, Pilar
2010-10-01
This paper presents the evolution in the strategy to assess the reliability of III-V solar cells and a new thermal ageing test carried out over GaAs single junction solar cells at three different temperatures (130, 150 and 170° C). The perimeter of the solar cells has been protected with silicone, which seems to be an effective way of enhancing the reliability of the solar cells. A preliminary analysis of the results indicates a mean time to failure (MTTF) one order of magnitude larger than the one obtained in a previous thermal test with the perimeter uncoated.
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Methods and analysis of factors impact on the efficiency of the photovoltaic generation
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Tianze, Li; Xia, Zhang; Chuan, Jiang; Luan, Hou
2011-02-01
First of all, the thesis elaborates two important breakthroughs which happened In the field of the application of solar energy in the 1950s.The 21st century the development of solar photovoltaic power generation will have the following characteristics: the continued high growth of industrial development, the significantly reducing cost of the solar cell, the large-scale high-tech development of photovoltaic industries, the breakthroughs of the film battery technology, the rapid development of solar PV buildings integration and combined to the grids. The paper makes principles of solar cells the theoretical analysis. On the basis, we study the conversion efficiency of solar cells, find the factors impact on the efficiency of the photovoltaic generation, solve solar cell conversion efficiency of technical problems through the development of new technology, and open up new ways to improve the solar cell conversion efficiency. Finally, the paper connecting with the practice establishes policies and legislation to the use of encourage renewable energy, development strategy, basic applied research etc.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Davy, Nicholas C.; Sezen-Edmonds, Melda; Gao, Jia; Lin, Xin; Liu, Amy; Yao, Nan; Kahn, Antoine; Loo, Yueh-Lin
2017-08-01
Current smart window technologies offer dynamic control of the optical transmission of the visible and near-infrared portions of the solar spectrum to reduce lighting, heating and cooling needs in buildings and to improve occupant comfort. Solar cells harvesting near-ultraviolet photons could satisfy the unmet need of powering such smart windows over the same spatial footprint without competing for visible or infrared photons, and without the same aesthetic and design constraints. Here, we report organic single-junction solar cells that selectively harvest near-ultraviolet photons, produce open-circuit voltages eclipsing 1.6 V and exhibit scalability in power generation, with active layers (10 cm2) substantially larger than those typical of demonstration organic solar cells (0.04-0.2 cm2). Integration of these solar cells with a low-cost, polymer-based electrochromic window enables intelligent management of the solar spectrum, with near-ultraviolet photons powering the regulation of visible and near-infrared photons for natural lighting and heating purposes.
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Variation of solar cell sensitivity and solar radiation on tilted surfaces
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Klucher, T. M.
1978-01-01
An empirical study was performed (1) to evaluate the validity of various insolation models used to compute solar radiation incident on tilted surfaces from global data measured on horizontal surfaces and (2) to determine the variation of solar cell sensitivity to solar radiation over a wide range of atmospheric condition. Evaluation of the insolation data indicates that the isotropic sky model of Liu and Jordan underestimates the amount of solar radiation falling on tilted surfaces by as much as 10%. An anisotropic-clear-sky model proposed by Temps and Coulson was also evaluated and found to be deficient under cloudy conditions. A new model, formulated herein, reduced the deviations between measured and predicted insolation to less than 3%. Evaluation of solar cell sensitivity data indicates small change (2-3%) in sensitivity from winter to summer for tilted cells. The feasibility of using such global data as a means for calibrating terrestrial solar cells as done by Treble is discussed.
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NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Meulenberg, A., Jr.; Allison, J. F.; Arndt, R. A.
1980-01-01
A space solar cell concept which combines high cell output with low diffusion length damage coefficients is presented for the purpose of reducing solar cell susceptibility to degradation from the radiation environment. High resistivity n-i-p silicon solar cells ranging from upward of 83 micron-cm were exposed to AM0 ultraviolet illumination. It is shown that high resistivity cells act as extrinsic devices under dark conditions and as intrinsic devices under AM0 illumination. Resistive losses in thin n-i-p cells are found to be comparable to those in low resistivity cells. Present voltage limitations appear to be due to generation and recombination in the diffused regions.
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NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Boeer, K. W.
1975-01-01
Solar cells may be used to convert sunlight directly into electrical energy and into lowgrade heat to be used for large-scale terrestrial solar-energy conversion. Both forms of energy can be utilized if such cells are deployed in close proximity to the consumer (rooftop). Cadmium-sulfide/copper-sulfide (CdS/Cu2S) solar cells are an example of cells which may be produced inexpensively enough to become economically attractive. Cell parameters relevant for combined solar conversion are presented. Critical issues, such as production yield, life expectancy, and stability of performance, are discussed. Systems-design parameters related to operating temperatures are analyzed. First results obtained on Solar One, the experimental house of the University of Delaware, are given. Economic aspects are discussed. Different modes of operation are discussed in respect to the power utility and consumer incentives.
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Plasmon-Assisted Efficiency Enhancement of Eu3+-Doped Tellurite Glass-Covered Solar Cells
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Lima, Bismarck C.; Gómez-Malagón, L. A.; Gomes, A. S. L.; Garcia, J. A. M.; Kassab, L. R. P.
2017-12-01
Rare-earth-doped tellurite glass containing metallic nanoparticles can be exploited to manage the solar spectrum in order to increase solar cell efficiency. It is therefore possible to modify the incident solar spectrum profile to the spectrum that optimizes the solar cell recombination process by covering the solar cell with plasmonic luminescent downshifting layers. With this approach, the losses due to thermalization are minimized and the efficiency is increased. Due to the down-conversion process that couples the plasmon resonance of the metallic nanoparticles and the rare-earth electronic energy levels, it is possible to convert photons from the ultraviolet region to the visible and near-band-gap region of the semiconductor. It is demonstrated here that plasmon-assisted efficiency enhancements of 14.0% and 34.5% can be obtained for commercial Si and GaP solar cells, respectively, covered with Eu3+-doped TeO2-ZnO glass containing silver nanoparticles.
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New Thin-Film Solar Cells Compared to Normal Solar Cells
1966-06-21
Adolph Spakowski, head of the Photovoltaic Fundamentals Section at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Lewis Research Center, illustrated the difference between conventional silicon solar cells (rear panel) and the new thin-film cells. The larger, flexible thin-film cells in the foreground were evaluated by Lewis energy conversion specialists for possible future space use. The conventional solar cells used on most spacecraft at the time were both delicate and heavy. For example, the Mariner IV spacecraft required 28,000 these solar cells for its flyby of Mars in 1964. NASA Lewis began investigating cadmium sulfide thin-film solar cells in 1961. The thin-film cells were made by heating semiconductor material until it evaporated. The vapor was then condensed onto an electricity-producing film only one-thousandth of an inch thick. The physical flexibility of the new thin-film cells allowed them to be furled, or rolled up, during launch. Spakowski led an 18-month test program at Lewis to investigate the application of cadmium sulfide semiconductors on a light metallized substrate. The new thin-film solar cells were tested in a space simulation chamber at a simulated altitude of 200 miles. Sunlight was recreated by a 5000-watt xenon light. Two dozen cells were exposed to 15 minutes of light followed by 15 minutes of darkness to test their durability in the constantly changing illumination of Earth orbit.
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Charge Transfer from Carbon Nanotubes to Silicon in Flexible Carbon Nanotube/Silicon Solar Cells.
Li, Xiaokai; Mariano, Marina; McMillon-Brown, Lyndsey; Huang, Jing-Shun; Sfeir, Matthew Y; Reed, Mark A; Jung, Yeonwoong; Taylor, André D
2017-12-01
Mechanical fragility and insufficient light absorption are two major challenges for thin flexible crystalline Si-based solar cells. Flexible hybrid single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT)/Si solar cells are demonstrated by applying scalable room-temperature processes for the fabrication of solar-cell components (e.g., preparation of SWNT thin films and SWNT/Si p-n junctions). The flexible SWNT/Si solar cells present an intrinsic efficiency ≈7.5% without any additional light-trapping structures. By using these solar cells as model systems, the charge transport mechanisms at the SWNT/Si interface are investigated using femtosecond transient absorption. Although primary photon absorption occurs in Si, transient absorption measurements show that SWNTs also generate and inject excited charge carriers to Si. Such effects can be tuned by controlling the thickness of the SWNTs. Findings from this study could open a new pathway for designing and improving the efficiency of photocarrier generation and absorption for high-performance ultrathin hybrid SWNT/Si solar cells. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.
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Device physics of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells for long-term operation
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Nishinaga, J.; Shibata, H.
2017-02-01
The degradation mechanism of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) solar cells on exposure to air has been investigated. Exposure to air at room temperature slightly reduces the conversion efficiency of CIGS solar cells, and the conversion efficiency decreases significantly under damp heat testing at 85 °C and 85% relative humidity due to low shunt resistance. On the other hand, shunt resistance increases after dry nitrogen heating. Therefore, oxygen and humidity should degenerate the solar cell performance. The low shunt resistance and conversion efficiency are completely recovered after removing the side edges of the CIGS solar cells by mechanical scribing. These results suggest that low-resistive layers are formed on the sidewalls of the solar cells during damp heat testing. The low-resistive layers on the sidewalls are identified to be molybdenum oxides and sodium molybdate by Auger electron spectroscopy. After etching the oxides on the sidewalls by alkaline solution, the saturation current density and ideality factor are confirmed to be improved. These results suggest that metal oxides on the sidewalls of CIGS solar cells may act as recombination centers.
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Solvent-Assisted Preparation of High-Performance Mesoporous CH₃NH₃Pbl₃ Perovskite Solar Cells.
Li, Zhi-Hua; Liu, Jie; Ma, Jing-Yuan; Jiang, Yan; Ge, Qian-Qing; Ding, Jie; Hu, Jin-Song; Wan, Li-Jun
2016-01-01
Organometal trihalide perovskite based solar cells have attracted great attention worldwide since their power conversion efficiency (PCE) have risen to over 15% within only 3 years of development. Comparing with other types of perovskite solar cells, mesostructured perovskite solar cells based on CH₃NH₃Pbl₃ as light harvesting material have already demonstrated remarkable advance in performance and reproducibility. Here, we reported a mesoscopic TiO₂/CH₃NH₃Pbl₃ heterojunction solar cell with uniform perovskite thin film prepared via solvent-assisted solution processing method. The best performing device delivered photocurrent density of 20.11 mA cm⁻², open-circuit voltage of 1.02 V, and fill factor of 0.70, leading to a PCE of 14.41%. A small anomalous hysteresis in the J-V curves was observed, where the PCE at forward scan was measured to be 84% of the PCE at reverse scan. Based on a statistical analysis, the perovskite solar cells prepared by the reported method exhibited reproducible and high PCE, indicating its promising application in the fabrication of low-cost and high-efficiency perovskite solar cells.
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DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Zahari, Suhaila Mohd; Norizan, Mohd Natashah; Mohamad, Ili Salwani
2015-05-15
The work presented in this paper is about the development of single and multilayer solar cells using GaAs and InGaAs in AM1.5 condition. The study includes the modeling structure and simulation of the device using Silvaco applications. The performance in term of efficiency of Indium Gallium Arsenide (InGaAs) and GaAs material was studied by modification of the doping concentration and thickness of material in solar cells. The efficiency of the GaAs solar cell was higher than InGaAs solar cell for single layer solar cell. Single layer GaAs achieved an efficiency about 25% compared to InGaAs which is only 2.65% ofmore » efficiency. For multilayer which includes both GaAs and InGaAs, the output power, P{sub max} was 8.91nW/cm² with the efficiency only 8.51%. GaAs is one of the best materials to be used in solar cell as a based compared to InGaAs.« less
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Hybrid morphology dependence of CdTe:CdSe bulk-heterojunction solar cells
2014-01-01
A nanocrystal thin-film solar cell operating on an exciton splitting pattern requires a highly efficient separation of electron-hole pairs and transportation of separated charges. A hybrid bulk-heterojunction (HBH) nanostructure providing a large contact area and interpenetrated charge channels is favorable to an inorganic nanocrystal solar cell with high performance. For this freshly appeared structure, here in this work, we have firstly explored the influence of hybrid morphology on the photovoltaic performance of CdTe:CdSe bulk-heterojunction solar cells with variation in CdSe nanoparticle morphology. Quantum dot (QD) or nanotetrapod (NT)-shaped CdSe nanocrystals have been employed together with CdTe NTs to construct different hybrid structures. The solar cells with the two different hybrid active layers show obvious difference in photovoltaic performance. The hybrid structure with densely packed and continuously interpenetrated two phases generates superior morphological and electrical properties for more efficient inorganic bulk-heterojunction solar cells, which could be readily realized in the NTs:QDs hybrid. This proved strategy is applicable and promising in designing other highly efficient inorganic hybrid solar cells. PMID:25386107
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Hybrid morphology dependence of CdTe:CdSe bulk-heterojunction solar cells.
Tan, Furui; Qu, Shengchun; Zhang, Weifeng; Wang, Zhanguo
2014-01-01
A nanocrystal thin-film solar cell operating on an exciton splitting pattern requires a highly efficient separation of electron-hole pairs and transportation of separated charges. A hybrid bulk-heterojunction (HBH) nanostructure providing a large contact area and interpenetrated charge channels is favorable to an inorganic nanocrystal solar cell with high performance. For this freshly appeared structure, here in this work, we have firstly explored the influence of hybrid morphology on the photovoltaic performance of CdTe:CdSe bulk-heterojunction solar cells with variation in CdSe nanoparticle morphology. Quantum dot (QD) or nanotetrapod (NT)-shaped CdSe nanocrystals have been employed together with CdTe NTs to construct different hybrid structures. The solar cells with the two different hybrid active layers show obvious difference in photovoltaic performance. The hybrid structure with densely packed and continuously interpenetrated two phases generates superior morphological and electrical properties for more efficient inorganic bulk-heterojunction solar cells, which could be readily realized in the NTs:QDs hybrid. This proved strategy is applicable and promising in designing other highly efficient inorganic hybrid solar cells.
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Innovative architecture design for high performance organic and hybrid multi-junction solar cells
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Li, Ning; Spyropoulos, George D.; Brabec, Christoph J.
2017-08-01
The multi-junction concept is especially attractive for the photovoltaic (PV) research community owing to its potential to overcome the Schockley-Queisser limit of single-junction solar cells. Tremendous research interests are now focused on the development of high-performance absorbers and novel device architectures for emerging PV technologies, such as organic and perovskite PVs. It has been predicted that the multi-junction concept is able to boost the organic and perovskite PV technologies approaching the 20% and 30% benchmarks, respectively, showing a bright future of commercialization of the emerging PV technologies. In this contribution, we will demonstrate innovative architecture design for solution-processed, highly functional organic and hybrid multi-junction solar cells. A simple but elegant approach to fabricating organic and hybrid multi-junction solar cells will be introduced. By laminating single organic/hybrid solar cells together through an intermediate layer, the manufacturing cost and complexity of large-scale multi-junction solar cells can be significantly reduced. This smart approach to balancing the photocurrents as well as open circuit voltages in multi-junction solar cells will be demonstrated and discussed in detail.
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Modeling of high efficiency solar cells under laser pulse for power beaming applications
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Jain, Raj K.; Landis, Geoffrey A.
1994-01-01
Solar cells have been used to convert sunlight to electrical energy for many years and also offer great potential for non-solar energy conversion applications. Their greatly improved performance under monochromatic light compared to sunlight, makes them suitable as photovoltaic (PV) receivers in laser power beaming applications. Laser beamed power to a PV array receiver could provide power to satellites, an orbital transfer vehicle, or a lunar base. Gallium arsenide (GaAs) and indium phosphide (InP) solar cells have calculated efficiencies of more than 50 percent under continuous illumination at the optimum wavelength. Currently high power free-electron lasers are being developed which operate in pulsed conditions. Understanding cell behavior under a laser pulse is important in the selection of the solar cell material and the laser. An experiment by NAsA lewis and JPL at the AVLIS laser facility in Livermore, CA presented experimental data on cell performance under pulsed laser illumination. Reference 5 contains an overview of technical issues concerning the use of solar cells for laser power conversion, written before the experiments were performed. As the experimental results showed, the actual effects of pulsed operation are more complicated. Reference 6 discusses simulations of the output of GaAs concentrator solar cells under pulsed laser illumination. The present paper continues this work, and compares the output of Si and GaAs solar cells.
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Depletion region effect of highly efficient hole conductor free CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite solar cells.
Aharon, Sigalit; Gamliel, Shany; El Cohen, Bat; Etgar, Lioz
2014-06-14
The inorganic-organic perovskite is currently attracting a lot of attention due to its use as a light harvester in solar cells. The large absorption coefficients, high carrier mobility and good stability of organo-lead halide perovskites present good potential for their use as light harvesters in mesoscopic heterojunction solar cells. This work concentrated on a unique property of the lead halide perovskite, its function simultaneously as a light harvester and a hole conductor in the solar cell. A two-step deposition technique was used to optimize the perovskite deposition and to enhance the solar cell efficiency. It was revealed that the photovoltaic performance of the hole conductor free perovskite solar cell is strongly dependent on the depletion layer width which was created at the TiO2-CH3NH3PbI3 junction. X-ray diffraction measurements indicate that there were no changes in the crystallographic structure of the CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite over time, which supports the high stability of these hole conductor free perovskite solar cells. Furthermore, the power conversion efficiency of the best cells reached 10.85% with a fill factor of 68%, a Voc of 0.84 V, and a Jsc of 19 mA cm(-2), the highest efficiency to date of a hole conductor free perovskite solar cell.
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Computer analysis of microcrystalline silicon hetero-junction solar cell with lumerical FDTD/DEVICE
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Riaz, Muhammad; Earles, S. K.; Kadhim, Ahmed; Azzahrani, Ahmad
The computer analysis of tandem solar cell, c-Si/a-Si:H/μc-SiGe, is studied within Lumerical FDTD/Device 4.6. The optical characterization is performed in FDTD and then total generation rate is transported into DEVICE for electrical characterization. The electrical characterization of the solar cell is carried out in DEVICE. The design is implemented by staking three sub cells with band gap of 1.12eV, 1.50eV and 1.70eV, respectively. First, single junction solar cell with both a-Si and μc-SiGe absorbing layers are designed and compared. The thickness for both layers are kept the same. In a single junction, solar cell with a-Si absorbing layer, the fill factor and the efficiency are noticed as FF = 78.98%, and η = 6.03%. For μc-SiGe absorbing layer, the efficiency and fill factor are increased as η = 7.06% and FF = 84.27%, respectively. Second, for tandem thin film solar cell c-Si/a-Si:H/μc-SiGe, the fill factor FF = 81.91% and efficiency η = 9.84% have been noticed. The maximum efficiency for both single junction thin film solar cell c-Si/μc-SiGe and tandem solar cell c-Si/a-Si:H/μc-SiGe are improved with check board surface design for light trapping.
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Method for fabricating silicon cells
Ruby, Douglas S.; Basore, Paul A.; Schubert, W. Kent
1998-08-11
A process for making high-efficiency solar cells. This is accomplished by forming a diffusion junction and a passivating oxide layer in a single high-temperature process step. The invention includes the class of solar cells made using this process, including high-efficiency solar cells made using Czochralski-grown silicon.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Weicht, J. A.; Hamelmann, F. U.; Behrens, G.
2016-02-01
Silicon-based thin film tandem solar cells consist of one amorphous (a-Si) and one microcrystalline (μc-Si) silicon solar cell. The Staebler - Wronski effect describes the light- induced degradation and temperature-dependent healing of defects of silicon-based solar thin film cells. The solar cell degradation depends strongly on operation temperature. Until now, only the light-induced degradation (LID) of the amorphous layer was examined in a-Si/μc-Si solar cells. The LID is also observed in pc-Si single function solar cells. In our work we show the influence of the light-induced degradation of the μc-Si layer on the diode equivalent circuit. The current-voltage-curves (I-V-curves) for the initial state of a-Si/pc-Si modules are measured. Afterwards the cells are degraded under controlled conditions at constant temperature and constant irradiation. At fixed times the modules are measured at standard test conditions (STC) (AM1.5, 25°C cell temperature, 1000 W/m2) for controlling the status of LID. After the degradation the modules are annealed at dark conditions for several hours at 120°C. After the annealing the dangling bonds in the amorphous layer are healed, while the degradation of the pc-Si is still present, because the healing of defects in pc-Si solar cells needs longer time or higher temperatures. The solar cells are measured again at STC. With this laboratory measured I-V-curves we are able to separate the values of the diode model: series Rs and parallel resistance Rp, saturation current Is and diode factor n.
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Developments toward an 18% efficient silicon solar cell
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Meulenberg, A., Jr.
1983-01-01
Limitations to increased open-circuit voltage were identified and experimentally verified for 0.1 ohm-cm solar cells with heavily doped emitters. After major reduction in the dark current contribution from the metal-silicon interface of the grid contacts, the surface recombination velocity of the oxide-silicon interface of shallow junction solar cells is the limiting factor. In deep junction solar cells, where the junction field does not aid surface collection, the emitter bulk is the limiting factor. Singly-diffused, shallow junction cells have been fabricated with open circuit voltages in excess of 645 mV. Double-diffusion shallow and deep junctions cells have displayed voltages above 650 mV. MIS solar cells formed on 0.1 ohm-cm substrates have exibited the lowest dark currents produced in the course of the contract work.