TWO DIMENSIONAL MODELLING OF THE SOLAR CELL

Abstract

The structure of the solar cell is basically two-dimensional in nature. Research on the solar cell is currently concentrating on phenomena which are due to this two-dimensional nature. This therefore demands that a good and accurate two-dimensional solar cell simulation program be made available. Much of the work reported in the literature has been done on one-dimensional models. The research described in this thesis was therefore directed toward the development of a program that would meet the needs mentioned above. Traditional methods were used in the creation of the basic two-dimensional computer simulation program, but this was enhanced by various innovative techniques which improved its rate of convergence and accuracy. The accuracy of the solution was verified by both internal and external means. The results generated by the program were plotted in the form of three-dimensional plots. These plots were further verified for accuracy by comparing with known theoretical and experimental results. Several interesting observations were also drawn from them. Finally, the J-V characteristics generated by the program were used to try to explain the observed deviations of actual solar cells from the principle of superposition.