Overview about Technology Perspectives for High Efficiency Solar Cells for Space and Terrestrial Applications
Year: 2013
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: III-V multi-junction solar cells have become standard in space and in terrestrial concentrator systems. The current landmark for III-V multi-junction solar cells is the Ga0.50In0.50P/Ga0.99In0.01As/Ge triple-junction, which only contains lattice-matched layers. This MOVPE-grown device is available from different suppliers in large quantities. Due to the mature development status of this device new concepts are being investigated to increase the efficiencies further. A toolbox of new ideas and methods is available such as metamorphic and/or inverted growth, wafer bonding, different substrates, nanostructures, MBE growth and new materials. These have been used and combined intensively in recent years to develop and realize new structures of III-V multi-junction solar cells. This paper gives an overview about the technology perspectives and research trends in III-V multi-junction solar cells. Eventually, a new record efficiency value of 44.7% @ 297xAM1.5d for a 4-junction wafer-bonded solar cell is presented.
Institutions: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, Technische Universität Berlin
Language: English
Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W52034757