Optoelectronic simulation and optimization of tandem and multi-junction perovskite solar cells using concentrating photovoltaic systems

Abstract

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) offer rapid increase in the power conversion efficiency (PCE) and low cost deposition of active layers with a tunable bandgaps over a wide range, making perovskite semiconductors best candidates for tandem and multi-junction solar cell. Here, we developed opto-electronic models to assess the feasible performances of all-perovskite tandem (2Pk-J), all-perovskite triple-junction (3Pk-J), and perovskite/c-Si triple-junction (2Pk/Si-J) solar cells under different solar concentrations for varied bandgap combination. We assess their dependence on solar concentration and operating temperature. Utilizing parameters and design constraints from the current state-of-the-art generation of PSCs, we demonstrate that 2Pk-J can reach 32% PCEs, 3Pk-J can achieve 33.52%, and 2Pk/Si-J can exceed 34%, with ideal bandgaps combination. Encouragingly, we demonstrate that it is possible to increase the PCEs to 36.57%, 38.58%, and 40% under solar concentrator concept for the 2Pk-J, 3Pk-J and 2Pk/Si-J device architectures, respectively. Even more encouragingly, we find that perovskite tandem and multi-junction photovoltaics have reduced temperature sensitivities under concentrated irradiances. These results demonstrate the potential of perovskite tandem and multi-junction photovoltaics used under solar concentrator concept, and highlight that they are likely to deliver an ultimately high efficiency photovoltaic technology with PCEs exceeding even the most developed classical semiconductor devices.

Keywords

• Perovskite materials
• Tandem and multi-junction solar cells
• Bandgap combination
• Power conversion efficiency
• Solar concentration
• Temperature sensitivity