Investigation and Computational Modeling of Multi-Junction Cascade Solar Cells Utilizing InGaP, GaAs, and Si Materials

In this study, a research investigation and computational analysis were conducted to examine Multi-Junction Cascade solar cells (MJCSC) through numerical simulation. The solar cell model consists of three sub-cells based on III-V materials: InGaP, GaAs, and Si. Each sub-cell is separated and isolated, containing two terminals, leading to a total of six terminals. Firstly, a design of the Multi-Junction Cascade Solar Cell is provided, with a simplified structure illustrating the arrangement of sub-cells and terminals. Subsequently, the performance of each sub-cell, as well as the main Cascade Solar Cell, was evaluated after calibrating the simulator software with recent experimental results under 1 sun of the standard AM1.5G solar spectrum at 300 K. The performances were subjected to study under three main variations: different sub-cell thickness at the first stage, followed by different sub-cell donor and acceptor dopants concentration. For each variation, the electrical performance parameters including current density, power density, short-circuit current density, open circuit voltage, maximum power density, form factor, and conversion efficiency were extracted. Finally, based on the results obtained, the optimum composition was concluded, along with the highest conversion efficiency.