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III‐V//Si multijunction solar cells with 30% efficiency using smart stack technology with Pd nanoparticle array
Author(s) -
Makita Kikuo,
Mizuno Hidenori,
Tayagaki Takeshi,
Aihara Taketo,
Oshima Ryuji,
Shoji Yasushi,
Sai Hitoshi,
Takato Hidetaka,
Müller Ralph,
Beutel Paul,
Lackner David,
Benick Jan,
Hermle Martin,
Dimroth Frank,
Sugaya Takeyoshi
Publication year - 2020
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/pip.3200
Subject(s) - suns in alchemy , materials science , optoelectronics , solar cell , stack (abstract data type) , photovoltaic system , stacking , solar cell efficiency , chemistry , electrical engineering , computer science , engineering , programming language , organic chemistry
Multijunction (MJ) solar cells achieve very high efficiencies by effectively utilizing the entire solar spectrum. Previously, we constructed a III‐V//Si MJ solar cell using the smart stack technology, a unique mechanical stacking technology with Pd nanoparticle array. In this study, we fabricated an InGaP/AlGaAs//Si three‐junction solar cell with an efficiency of 30.8% under AM 1.5G solar spectrum illumination. This efficiency is considerably higher than our previous result (25.1%). The superior performance was achieved by optimizing the structure of the upper GaAs‐based cell and employing a tunnel oxide passivated contact Si cell. Furthermore, we examined the low solar concentration performance of the device and obtained a maximum efficiency of 32.6% at 5.5 suns. This performance is sufficient for realistic low concentration photovoltaic applications (below 10 suns). In addition, we characterize the reliability of the InGaP/AlGaAs//Si three‐junction solar cell with a damp heat test (85 °C and 85% humidity for 1000 h). It was confirmed that our solar cells have high long‐term stability under severe conditions. The results demonstrate the potential of GaAs//Si MJ solar cells as next‐generation photovoltaic cells and the effectiveness of smart stack technology in fabricating multijunction cells.