18.5% efficient first-generation MIS inversion-layer silicon solar cells

In this paper, progress in the development of high-efficiency metal-insulator-semiconductor inversion-layer (MIS-IL) silicon solar cells at ISFH is presented. We fabricated MIS-IL solar cells showing independently confirmed energy conversion efficiencies of up to 18.5%. This represents the highest value reported to date for MIS-IL silicon cells. The increase in cell efficiency has been possible by improvements along several lines: (i) reduced perimeter recombination losses, (ii) a reduced contact resistance of the MIS front grid, and (iii) reduced rear surface recombination losses. The cells are characterised in detail and design modifications for further improvements towards 20% efficiency are presented.