Solar cell efficiency divergence due to operating spectrum variation

A limitation in the performance rating of solar cells and modules is that they are evaluated using a single value for the solar spectrum: AM1.5. To map the performance expected under the varying spectra found in operating conditions, solar cell efficiencies have been evaluated using solar spectra generated by the National Solar Radiation Database, applied to confirmed record-efficiency cell parameters. Nine solar cell types (single-junction and multijunction) are evaluated using spectra at more than forty locations, spanning 76 degrees of latitude and 150 degrees of longitude, at hourly intervals over a year. Relative to the standard test efficiency, increases in annual operating efficiency are seen in cadmium telluride and single-junction perovskite designs, while efficiency decreases in two-terminal multijunction structures. Though silicon exhibits the least variation, its-3% to +2% range in relative efficiency is equivalent to similar to 20 degrees C of temperature variation. The divergence in operating efficiencies indicates that evaluation using a single spectrum is not a sufficient basis for comparison, or prediction of energy yield in operation. Application of an additional ?operating spectrum,? to complement the standard test spectrum, is proposed.

Automated summary

The performance rating of solar cells and modules using a single spectrum (AM1.5) is limited. To address performance variations under different spectra, a study evaluated nine solar cell types using multiple spectra, finding that different types of solar cells exhibit different performances under various spectra.