Application of a c-Si Solar Cell with a Three-Dimensional Structure to Indoor Photovoltaics

As individual photovoltaic (PV) power sources for indoor conditions, various types of solar cells including organic, perovskite, and dye-sensitized devices, have been used because they provide better performance under weak lighting conditions; however, they are limited in terms of durability and applicability to larger-sized cells and modules. Crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar cells address these issues as an economical alternative. Here, to overcome low performance under weak lighting conditions, such as indoor lighting, a three-dimensional structured c-Si solar cell is developed to enhance the surface area of the cell for improved indirect light acquisition. With our design prototype, the power output increases by nearly two-fold using a tetrahedron-structured c-Si solar cell compared to its flat two-dimensional counterpart. Further improvements in the power output are expected to be achieved for the 3-D c-Si solar cell by minimizing mismatch losses, which is a common problem associated with this PV device.

Automated summary

In order to improve performance under weak lighting conditions, a three-dimensional structured c-Si solar cell has been developed to enhance the surface area for improved light acquisition. The power output has nearly doubled compared to its flat counterpart. Further improvements are expected by minimizing mismatch losses for the 3D c-Si solar cell.