Increased efficiency with surface texturing in ITO/InP solar cells

Optimization of an InP solar cell with a V-grooved surface is discussed. Total internal reflection in the coverglass reduces surface reflection and can recover light reflected from the front metallization. An analysis of the light-trapping effects of low-angle V-grooves on InP solar cells shows improvement in both Jsc and fill factor. Efficiency can be increased by 6.74% with proper attention to grid design. The effect of the grooves reduces the need for an optimum antireflection coating and high aspect ratio contacts. Results from the first indium-tin oxide (ITO)/InP solar cells on low-angle V-grooved substrates are presented, showing a 5.8% increase in current. No deleterious effects were noted in the junction formation due to the grooves.<>