Optical modeling of a folded organic solar cell

The optical behavior of a reflective tandem solar cell (V cell) is modeled by means of finite element method (FEM) simulations. The absorption of solar light in the active material as well as in both electrode layers is calculated. The FEM solves the electromagnetic wave equation on the entire defined geometry, resulting in the consideration of interference effects, as well as effects of refraction and reflection. Both single cells and tandem cells are modeled and confirmed to be in accordance with reflectance measurements. Energy dissipation in the active layers is studied as a function of layer thickness and folding angle, and the simulations clearly display the advantage of the light trapping feature of folded cells. This is especially prominent in cells with thinner active layers, where folding induces absorption in the active layer equivalent to that of much thicker cells. (C) 2008 American Institute of Physics.