Simulation and characterization of high efficiency back contact cells for low-concentration photovoltaics

Herein, the performance of low-cost crystalline silicon solar cells under low to medium levels of concentration is explored. Simulations and experimental results are shown for concentrations up to 20 suns. An efficiency of 23% at 9 suns is achieved on a 34.5 mm × 125 mm solar cell using SunPower's standard production process. Low sensitivity of cell performance to illumination profile and position is also demonstrated.