Dual-Absorber Thin-Film Solar Cell: A High-Efficiency Design

The solar cell device architecture is critical for photovoltaic action and achieving high efficiency. Herein, a dual-absorber solar cell is demonstrated where a stack of two band-aligned absorbers with different bandgaps facilitates absorption of a broader range of the solar spectrum resulting in higher short-circuit current. This dual-absorber design is analyzed and a narrow range of optimal parameters which can achieve net efficiency gain is summarized. By introducing an additional absorber-absorber interface, the interfacial defect and band offset become essential parameters for the efficient functioning of a dual-absorber device. Single-, double-, and triple-absorber configurations, their performance enhancement, and synergetic spectrum utilization are compared. The proposed dual-absorber design is more straightforward and has comparable performance to a tandem device, thus presenting a potentially cost-effective solar cells design.

Automated summary

The solar cell device architecture is crucial for achieving high efficiency and photovoltaic action. In this study, a dual-absorber solar cell with two band-aligned absorbers of different bandgaps is demonstrated, enabling absorption of a wider range of the solar spectrum and resulting in higher short-circuit current. The analysis reveals a narrow range of optimal parameters for net efficiency gain in the dual-absorber design, with interfacial defect and band offset playing essential roles in its efficient functioning. Comparison between single-, double-, and triple-absorber configurations highlights their performance enhancement and synergetic spectrum utilization. The proposed dual-absorber design offers a straightforward approach and comparable performance to a tandem device, thus presenting a potentially cost-effective solution for solar cells.