Frontside scattering structures for enhanced performance in flexible ultrathin crystalline silicon solar cells

Abstract

We demonstrate that frontside scattering structures combining a metal nanomesh transparent electrode with dielectric nanosphere (NS) arrays may improve the performance of ultrathin crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar cells. The increased light scattering as characterized by increased haze from these structures leads to longer path lengths within the c-Si and thus, higher short-circuit current densities and improved power conversion efficiencies. We demonstrate a 69% improvement in power conversion efficiency with metal nanomesh/NS coatings compared to indium tin oxide. Furthermore, we demonstrate the ultrathin film c-Si solar cells are robust under repeated bending.