1980/05/14 by Alexis De Vos · 3 citations
Engineering · Energy · Chemistry · Mathematics · #solar cell performance optimization #Thermal Radiation and Cooling Technologies #Solar Thermal and Photovoltaic Systems #Tandem #Stack (abstract data type) #Irradiance #Solar cell #Limit (mathematics) #Sunlight #Photovoltaic system #Detailed balance #Physics #Optics #Materials science #Chemistry #Optoelectronics #Computer science #Thermodynamics #Mathematics #Engineering #Electrical engineering
paper · pdf · doi:10.1088/0022-3727/13/5/018
openalex publication_date 1980/05/14 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/01
The fundamental (detailed balance) limit of the performance of a tandem structure is presented. The model takes into account the fact that a particular cell is not only illuminated by part of the solar irradiance but also by the electroluminescence of other cells of the set. Whereas, under 1 sun irradiance, a single solar cell only converts 30% of the solar energy, a tandem structure of two cells can convert 42%, a tandem structure of three cells can convert 49%, etc. Under the highest possible light concentration, these efficiencies are 40% (one cell), 55% (two cells), 63% (three cells), etc. The model also allows us to predict the ideal efficiency of a stack with an infinite number of solar cells. Such a tandem system can convert 68% of the unconcentrated sunlight, and 86% of the concentrated sunlight.