Three-Dimensional Cu(InGa)Se$_{\bf 2}$ Photovoltaic Cells Simulations: Optimization for Limited-Range Wavelength Applications

One of the main challenges in Cu(InGa)Se₂ (CIGS) solar cells modeling is due to the complex microcrystalline structure of the absorber layer. A CdS/CIGS solar cell that is modeled as an array of columnar parallel microcells, representing the polycrystalline nature of the absorber layer, is reported. The electrical and optical parameters have been extracted from measurements on CIGS layers that are deposited by pulsed electron deposition. The model is validated with experimental data and used to optimize the geometrical and electrical properties of a low bandgap Cu(InGa)Se₂ solar cell, which could be employed under high-intensity monochromatic radiation or with a spectral splitting concentrator system.