Triple-Junction Solar Cell Modelling Simulation using the PC1D Application

Abstract

Solar cells are a renewable energy source that utilizes sunlight as a generator of electrical energy. Increasing the efficiency of solar cells can be done by stratifying several semiconductors that have different energy gaps or commonly referred to as multi-junctions. Simulations carried out using the PC1D application which is a freeware application. In this study, the semiconductor materials used in modelling triple-junction solar cells are Al0.3 Ga0.7 As, GaAs and Ge. The results of this study, the output produced is in the form of Isc, Voc, Pmax, and IV Curve. The simulated solar cell produces Pmax for Al0.3 Ga0.7 As, GaAs and Ge are respectively 14.6 mW, 10.71 mW, and 3.18 mW. Each simulated semiconductor also has individual efficiencies of 10.68%, 7.83%, and 2.33%. The total efficiency of the solar cells is 20.84%. The efficiency of the solar cell simulation results was 0.48% higher than the solar cells that have been studied previously.