Comprehensive optimization of CIGS and perovskite/CIGS tandem solar cells via numerical simulation: achieving 26.93% tandem efficiency
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Single-junction CIGS solar cells are fundamentally constrained by the Shockley–Queisser limit (∼30% efficiency), while experimental perovskite/CIGS tandem cells have achieved only 24.9% efficiency due to interface recombination losses, current mismatch, and suboptimal device parameters. Comprehensive parametric studies addressing the interplay of layer thickness, defect density, doping concentrations, and environmental factors in tandem architectures remain limited, hindering the translation of simulation insights into practical high-efficiency devices. This study systematically optimizes CIGS and perovskite/CIGS tandem solar cells through comprehensive numerical simulation, analyzing critical device parameters to maximize photovoltaic performance and provide actionable guidelines for high-efficiency solar cell design. Silvaco Atlas TCAD simulations were employed to model ZnO:Al/i-ZnO/CdS/CIGS/Mo structures, validated against experimental data with close agreement (J sc : 36.19 versus 36.30 mA cm −2 , Voc: 0.71 versus 0.72 V, FF: 77.72% versus 76.80%, PCE: 20.10%). Parametric analysis examined CIGS absorber thickness (0.1–3 μm), defect density (10 12 –10 17 cm −3 ), doping concentrations, temperature effects (25 °C–85 °C), and light intensity variations (10%–100% AM1.5G). The optimized CIGS bottom cell was integrated with a perovskite top cell using SnO 2 electron transport layer, NiO x hole transport layer, and MgF 2 antireflection coating. These parameters maximize performance by minimizing recombination losses, achieving optimized values of V oc = 774.35 mV, J sc = 36.41 mA cm −2 , FF = 84.08%, and PCE = 23.71% for the standalone CIGS cell with optimal parameters: 2–3 μm absorber thickness, 10 12 cm −3 defect density, and 10 16 cm −3 acceptor concentration, maximizing open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current density, and fill factor by minimizing recombination losses. The integrated perovskite/CIGS tandem configuration demonstrated 26.93% efficiency, surpassing recent experimental benchmarks. Environmental analysis revealed 17% efficiency reduction at elevated temperatures (85 °C), while external quantum efficiency analysis confirmed enhanced near-infrared absorption with optimized thickness. This comprehensive optimization framework successfully enhances both CIGS and tandem cell performance by minimizing recombination losses through precise defect management and band alignment optimization, providing validated design guidelines for next-generation high-efficiency photovoltaic technologies and advancing beyond prior studies through integrated material properties and device physics understanding.
Source: Physica Scripta
Authors: Halima Zeboudj, Baghdad Hadri
Institution: Université de Mostaganem
Language: English
Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4416093370