Optical Optimization of Tandem Solar Cells: A Systematic Review for Enhanced Power Conversion

Abstract

Tandem solar cells (TSCs) perform a better adaptation of the incident photons in different-energy-level bandgap materials, and overcome the Shockley–Queisser limit, but they require advanced control over the management of light for optimum performance. Nanomaterials and nanostructures offer a vastly improved control over the management of light. Through different optimization techniques, researchers can gain valuable insights regarding the optimization of various parameters of nano-optical designs. Over the past years, the number of studies on this topic has been continuously increasing. The present study reviews various current state-of-the-art optical designs, and provides an overview of the optimization techniques and numerical modeling of TSCs. This paper collected and analyzed different studies published within the years 2015–2022, using systematic literature review techniques, such as specific protocol screening and a search strategy. Seven different optical designs were extracted, along with their advanced local and global optimization methods, which offer a solution to the optical limitations of TSCs.

Keywords

• optical design
• nanomaterial optimization
• tandem solar cells
• deep learning
• power conversion efficiency