Interdigitated back-surface-contact solar cell modeling using Silvaco Atlas

Abstract

The Silvaco Atlas semiconductor modeling software was used to simulate an interdigitated back-surface-contact solar cell. The cell is modeled after the silicon-based Sunpower Corporation A-300 solar cell, which contains a number of unique features that give it advantages over conventional solar cells. This simulation attempted to match as closely as possible the results measured by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory from the A-300 cell in order to validate the model. This model was then used to investigate the effects of making the A-300 thinner, which would permit its use in military solar blanket applications. A thin and flexible solar cell is ideal for this application due to its lighter weight, making it portable and flexible, which increases its ruggedness. The ability to simulate an interdigitated back-surface-contact cell also allows future work using computer algorithms to improve power output results as well as investigations into using materials other than silicon, which may further improve power output.