Advanced perspectives on maximizing tandem solar cell efficiency by comparative dynamics of tunnel oxide passivated contact, passivated emitter and rear contact, and heterojunction solar cells under fluctuating light intensities

Abstract

Background

The evolution of photovoltaic technologies has significantly advanced tandem solar cells, including Tunnel Oxide passive contact (TOPCon), passive emitter and Rear Contact (PERC), and Heterojunction Solar Cells (HIT). These technologies are crucial for enhancing solar energy conversion efficiency and are increasingly important in tackling global energy challenges. They promise higher efficiency and stability under various environmental conditions.

Methods

In this study, we evaluated the performance of Si/Si bifacial tandem solar cells under different albedo effects, by varying albedo levels of back-reflected light (0.1 to 0.5 suns). This analysis helps understand how these cells perform with varying intensities of reflected light, which is essential for optimizing their efficiency in real-world conditions.

Significant findings

Our findings reveal that TOPCon cells excel in low albedo conditions, achieving maximum efficiencies of 26.81 % in series and 28.73 % in parallel configurations. HIT cells demonstrate superior performance in parallel configurations, with maximum efficiencies of 27.16 % in series and 27.61 % in parallel. PERC cells provide a cost-effective balance between efficiency and manufacturability, reaching maximum efficiencies of 19.76 % in series and 28.31 % in parallel configurations. These results challenge the traditional view that only high-intensity sunlight maximizes solar cell efficiency, showing that optimizing configurations under varying albedo conditions can significantly enhance performance. This study offers new insights into optimizing different tandem solar cell technologies for specific situations, providing practical guidelines for enhancing photovoltaic systems’ efficiency and stability.