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Three‐junction monolithic interconnected modules for concentrator photovoltaics
Author(s) -
Albert Pierre,
Jaouad Abdelatif,
Hamon Gwenaëlle,
Volatier Maïté,
Deshayes Yannick,
Béchou Laurent,
Aimez Vincent,
Dar Maxime
Publication year - 2021
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.3404
Subject(s) - suns in alchemy , fabrication , resistive touchscreen , optoelectronics , materials science , wafer , concentrator , photovoltaic system , photovoltaics , electrical contacts , electrical engineering , engineering , medicine , alternative medicine , pathology
A core issue in concentrator photovoltaic technology (CPV) is the resistive losses in cells that usually limits the maximum photoconversion efficiency under high concentration. We propose the use of three‐junction monolithic interconnected modules (MIM) to mitigate resistive losses by providing high‐voltage low‐current power. First, we present the fabrication of InGaP/InGaAs/Ge front‐contacted microcells with various designs and dimensions. Front‐contacted cells are the key enabler for the MIM fabrication and demonstrate good electrical characteristics under one sun, similar to standard‐contacted cells. The base front contact size is minimized to limit the unutilized area on the wafer. Second, fabrication techniques for interconnecting cells in MIM are described. Finally, electrical measurements show a record conversion efficiency of 35.1% under 798 suns for the first three‐junction MIM reported (17.8% when considering the entire device area). Versatility and further optimization of the devices are discussed to enlarge their field of application.