Analysis of different buffer layers on CuO based solar cells using SCAPS-1D

Abstract

We have used SCAPS-1D to do simulations on CuO based solar cells using ZnO, TiO2, CdS and ZnSe as buffer layers. The solar cell characteristics are analysed by varying different material properties. The CuO/ZnO based solar cell showed highest efficiency ∼20%. The interface defect however impacts the efficiency of this solar cell significantly. The interface defect and buffer layer thickness has shown little impact on the TiO2 and ZnSe buffer layer based solar cell. Further, we have optimized the impact of absorber layer thickness, carrier concentration and absorber defect as well. The effect of buffer layer thickness and electron affinity has also been investigated. Further, we have tried to understand the effect of temperature on the performance of these solar cells. The increase in temperature has resulted in decreased efficiency attributing to increased recombination rate.