A generic concept to overcome bandgap limitations for designing highly efficient multi-junction photovoltaic cells

72Citations
Citations of this article
209Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

This article is free to access.

Abstract

The multi-junction concept is the most relevant approach to overcome the Shockley-Queisser limit for single-junction photovoltaic cells. The record efficiencies of several types of solar technologies are held by series-connected tandem configurations. However, the stringent current-matching criterion presents primarily a material challenge and permanently requires developing and processing novel semiconductors with desired bandgaps and thicknesses. Here we report a generic concept to alleviate this limitation. By integrating series- and parallel-interconnections into a triple-junction configuration, we find significantly relaxed material selection and current-matching constraints. To illustrate the versatile applicability of the proposed triple-junction concept, organic and organic-inorganic hybrid triple-junction solar cells are constructed by printing methods. High fill factors up to 68% without resistive losses are achieved for both organic and hybrid triple-junction devices. Series/parallel triple-junction cells with organic, as well as perovskite-based subcells may become a key technology to further advance the efficiency roadmap of the existing photovoltaic technologies.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Guo, F., Li, N., Fecher, F. W., Gasparini, N., Quiroz, C. O. R., Bronnbauer, C., … Brabec, C. J. (2015). A generic concept to overcome bandgap limitations for designing highly efficient multi-junction photovoltaic cells. Nature Communications, 6. https://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms8730

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free