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The truncated‐pyramid MIS inversion‐layer solar cell: a comprehensive analysis
Author(s) -
Grauvogl M.,
Hezel R.
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
progress in photovoltaics: research and applications
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.286
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1099-159X
pISSN - 1062-7995
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1099-159x(199801/02)6:1<15::aid-pip199>3.0.co;2-q
Subject(s) - passivation , equivalent series resistance , optoelectronics , solar cell , materials science , silicon solar cell , pyramid (geometry) , inversion (geology) , fabrication , silicon , contact resistance , voltage , engineering physics , layer (electronics) , electrical engineering , optics , nanotechnology , engineering , geology , physics , tectonics , medicine , paleontology , alternative medicine , pathology
Abstract Metal–insulator–semiconductor inversion‐layer (MISIL) solar cells are of significant interest because of their simple fabrication process. In this work a comprehensive analysis of the improved front surface design of truncated‐pyramid MISIL silicon solar cells is presented. This analysis reveals the two most important effects that have led to an increase in the open‐circuit voltage of more than 50 mV. Firstly, passivation of the non‐grid area at the front surface is optimized to meet the special requirements of MISIL solar cells. Secondly, the MIS contact is investigated very thoroughly. This includes the recombination properties of the contact and the current transport via the MIS contact. The results of this investigation show that the contact area can be reduced without an increase in the series resistance of the MISIL solar cells and therefore the recombination losses at the metal contacts are reduced. As a result of these improvements, independently confirmed 1‐sun efficiencies above 17% are achieved with truncated‐pyramid MISIL solar cells. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.