ENERGY YIELD CALCULATIONS FOR SILICON-BASED TANDEM SOLAR CELLS

Abstract

Silicon (Si) based tandem solar cells are promising in achieving the next quantum leap in flat-plate PV efficiency in a cost-effective way. While much efforts have been spent on their efficiency improvement under standard testing conditions, little investigation has been carried out on their realistic outdoor energy yield potentials. This PhD thesis evaluates the outdoor energy yield potential and loss characteristics in two locations (Singapore and Denver) representing very different climates, using an elaborate energy yield calculation method that employs physical device simulation and detailed data on operating conditions. Measured solar irradiance levels, solar spectra, and air temperature data are processed and analysed. Solar cell outputs under different illumination conditions and temperatures are modelled for several III-V-on-Si (III-V/Si) tandem configurations. Based on these results, the annual energy yields are calculated and the outdoor losses are quantified.