Antireflection coatings for planar silicon solar cells

Abstract

Calculations are presented for the effect of various antireflection coatings on silicon solar cells. In particular, the relationship of different quantum efficiencies and illumination spectra to the optimum film thickness(es) and to the maximum collectible current is examined. It is found that the ratio of the collectible current to the maximum possible current (with the reflectivity = 0 over the entire solar spectrum) is larger if the solar cell has a poor spectral quantum efficiency and/or the illumination spectrum is peaked (such as from an ELH lamp). Single- and double-layer coatings are examined, and it is found that the double-layer coatings are less sensitive to errors in the coating thicknesses, as well as yielding more collectible current. © 1986.