SCAPS simulation of ZnO/CdS/CdTe/CuO heterostructure for photovoltaic application

Abstract

In the computer simulations environment of photoelectric cells SCAPS (Solar Cell Capacitance Simulator) complex modeling of optical and photoelectric properties of the cell based on the heterostructure ZnO/CdS/CdTe/CuO was performed. The choice of highly resistive transparent (HRT) oxide material - for use as a front contact is justified. The influence of film thickness on the efficiency of the final cell is investigated. The efficiency of the considered photovoltaic cell was 20.94%. The structure of the photovoltaic cell was chosen based on the analysis of the properties of individual layers with a certain thickness from a pre-selected range. In this case the properties of the heterosystem were reviewed each time with adding each subsequent layer. Thus, the optimal thicknesses for the photoelectric heterosystem are selected, which allow to obtain the maximum efficiency. The simulation was based on experimental data (thickness, optical characteristics, band gap) for each of the films obtained by physical vapor deposition (PVD).