A5025926816- solar cell performance optimization
- Silicon and Solar Cell Technologies
- Chalcogenide Semiconductor Thin Films
- Semiconductor Quantum Structures and Devices
- Semiconductor materials and interfaces
- Semiconductor materials and devices
- Thin-Film Transistor Technologies
- Quantum Dots Synthesis And Properties
- Metal and Thin Film Mechanics
- Photovoltaic System Optimization Techniques
- TiO2 Photocatalysis and Solar Cells
- Solar Thermal and Photovoltaic Systems
- ZnO doping and properties
- Ga2O3 and related materials
- Diamond and Carbon-based Materials Research
- Ion-surface interactions and analysis
- Nanowire Synthesis and Applications
- Industrial Vision Systems and Defect Detection
SolAero Technologies (United States)
2017-2021
MVSystems (United States)
2006
University of Delaware
2005
University of California, Los Angeles
1998
Using the energy bandgap of semiconductors as a design parameter is critically important for achieving highest efficiency multijunction solar cells. The bandgaps lattice-matched that are most convenient to use rarely those which would result in theoretical efficiency. For both space and terrestrial spectra, 3-junction GaInP/GaAs/Ge cells can be increased by lower middle cell, GaInAs cells, well using higher top cell materials. Wide-bandgap indirect-gap materials used parasitically absorbing...
We report here on progress made in the development of >20% efficient monolithic epitaxial III-V/Si tandem solar cells. Following our prior demonstration a GaAs0.75P0.25/Si cell with verified AM1.5G efficiency 20.1%, we have undertaken intensive efforts aimed at optimization top and bottom subcells, involving both materials quality improvement detailed device structure refinement. To date thus demonstrated 21.8% cells making use an optimized, but still defect-limited GaAsP combined simple...
High efficiency space solar cells based on the GaInP2/InGaAs/Ge triple junction lattice matched device with 1 sun, AM0 efficiencies of approximately 30% are commercially available from several companies. Multiple approaches have been suggested for significantly surpassing level, but achieving this in a viable cell has not easy. We review those approaches, pointing out advantages and challenges each. SolAero focused developing inverted metamorphic multi-junction (IMM) cell, recently...
We report the use of amorphous silicon (a-Si) tandem junctions as part an integral "hybrid" photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell to produce hydrogen directly from water using sunlight. The device configuration consists stainless steel (SS)/ni<sub>2</sub>pni<sub>1</sub>p/ZnO/WO<sub>3</sub>. When is immersed in electrolyte and illuminated, O<sub>2</sub> evolved at WO<sub>3</sub>/electrolyte interface H<sub>2</sub> produced counter electrode. A voltage >1.23V required split water; typically 1.6-1.8V...
High-efficiency multijunction cells have been fabricated for use in space concentrator modules at concentrations of 8-15 suns. Modeling and optimization efforts to modify Spectrolab's 1-sun concentration are described. An experimental population 200 3.5 cm/sup 2/ aperture area (4.2 total area) grown using a variety conditions had an average efficiency 29.6% 8 suns AMO. This included several which exceeded 31% 32% active efficiency. A Spectrolab cell was measured ENTECH's mini-concentrator...
Detailed loss analysis of our previously reported 21.8% (unverified) monolithic GaAsP/Si tandem cells has identified and quantified three main mechanisms limiting cell performance: dislocation mediated voltage current losses, improper bandgap profile, insufficient rear passivation. This was recently used to redesign the device structure, yielding a substantial performance improvement 23.4% AM1.5G. The largest area in Voc 1.73V, an increase 70 mV versus previous results, enabled by -2x...
This paper outlines the recent progress SolAero Technology Corp. has made in development of two advanced III-V multijunction solar cell technologies for space applications. The first is radiation hard 32% efficient IMM-α, and second 30% four-junction Z4J. performance cost metrics each device compared to state-of-the-art triple-junction ZTJ architecture.
Solar cells suitable for the space environment must combine high-efficiency, high energy density, and radiation hardness in a manufacturable design. As improvement one performance parameter usually results degradation or more of remaining parameters, careful optimization is required to enhance overall performance. The ultra triple-junction cell developed builds upon established success fully qualified improved currently production. In configuration, robustness efficiency after exposure...
We discuss progress in the development, qualification, and productization of SolAero Technology Corp's 1MM-a solar cell architecture. The IMM-a has been optimized for highest efficiency at end-of-life (EOL) elevated temperature a beginning-of-life (BOL) 32% (AM0, 1353 W/m2). τMM-a is currently undergoing qualification to AIAA-5111-2014 standard transfer production manufacturing environment underway.
III-V/Si dual junction (2J) tandem photovoltaics with potential for eventual application to (aero)space deployment have been under development. Full 2J devices 16-18% AM0 efficiency demonstrated. Temperature dependent LIV and initial characterization related space applications also conducted. Further development of the subcomponents offer a promising pathway efficiencies >25%.
Solar cells suitable for the space environment must combine high efficiency, energy density, and radiation hardness in a manufacturable design. As improvement one performance parameter usually results degradation or more of remaining parameters, careful optimization is required to enhance overall performance. The ultra triple-junction cell developed by Spectrolab builds upon established success fully qualified improved currently production. In configuration, robustness efficiency after...
To meet the aggressive growth of world-wide photovoltaic market past several years, EPV SOLAR has further developed its technology, reduced manufacturing costs, and expanded production capacity in US Europe. currently three plants, located Lawrenceville Robbinsville, New Jersey, USA, Senftenberg, Brandenburg, Germany. With introduction Generation VI Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) systems, development low-cost advanced sputtering integration improved support equipment, two...