Learn how to use simulation tools and methods to design and analyze multijunction solar cells for higher efficiency and performance.

In my experience, Sentaurus (TCAD) from Synopsis is a very effective software for meshing and applying numerical methods to solve the fully coupled set of semiconductor differential equations. Even in highly non-ideal devices, it allows you for example to start with empty or filled traps and certain boundary conditions, so you rarely need to set an illumination ramp from dark to 1-sun before you can start simulating the 1-sun IV curve. Sentaurus requires direct physical inputs, for example the saturation current is a result and not an input. On the one hand, it can be tedious to collect all the inputs, but on the other hand, your results are meaningful and you can manipulate your device with clear physical arguments.

Last updated on Aug 17, 2024

What are the best simulation tools and methods for multijunction solar cells design and analysis?

Multijunction solar cells are devices that combine different materials and bandgaps to achieve higher efficiency and performance than single-junction cells. However, designing and analyzing these complex structures requires advanced simulation tools and methods. In this article, we will explore some of the best options available for multijunction solar cells simulation and how they can help you optimize your device.

1 Background and benefits

Multijunction solar cells consist of two or more subcells connected in series or parallel, each with a different bandgap that matches a specific range of the solar spectrum. By doing so, they can reduce the thermalization and transmission losses that limit the efficiency of single-junction cells. Multijunction solar cells can achieve efficiencies over 40% in laboratory conditions and over 30% in real-world applications, making them attractive for space and terrestrial applications.

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Pietro Peter Altermatt

Principal Scientist at Trina Solar, China
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In my experience, Sentaurus (TCAD) from Synopsis is a very effective software for meshing and applying numerical methods to solve the fully coupled set of semiconductor differential equations. Even in highly non-ideal devices, it allows you for example to start with empty or filled traps and certain boundary conditions, so you rarely need to set an illumination ramp from dark to 1-sun before you can start simulating the 1-sun IV curve. Sentaurus requires direct physical inputs, for example the saturation current is a result and not an input. On the one hand, it can be tedious to collect all the inputs, but on the other hand, your results are meaningful and you can manipulate your device with clear physical arguments.

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Ayush bajpai

Senior Consultant ESG/Sustainability/Carbon Accounting/GHG /15K+ Followers/Content Writer Master of Business Administration - MBA Energy Management from School of Energy and Environmental studies DAVV, Indore
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The best simulation tools for multijunction solar cells design and analysis include: 1. TCAD (Technology Computer-Aided Design): For detailed semiconductor device modeling and performance predictions. 2. Solar Cell Capacitance Simulator (SCAPS): For simulating the electrical characteristics of thin-film and multijunction solar cells. 3. COMSOL Multiphysics: For comprehensive simulation, including optical and thermal analysis. 4. Synopsys Sentaurus: For advanced device simulation and optimization. Methods involve detailed modeling of each junction, optical simulation for light absorption, and electrical simulations to evaluate efficiency and performance under different conditions.

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Dr. Rajkumar Sahu

Thin Film ♦ Semiconductor ♦ Solar Cell ♦ Nano Fabrication ♦ Optoelectronic ♦ Photonics ♦ Metrology ♦ Microelectronics
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Multijunction solar cells offer several advantages over traditional single-junction solar cells. By using multiple subcells with different bandgaps, multijunction solar cells can more efficiently capture a wider range of the solar spectrum, increasing their overall efficiency. They can also reduce the thermalization and transmission losses that occur in single-junction cells, leading to higher power output and better performance in low-light conditions. Multijunction solar cells are commonly used in space applications due to their high efficiency and reliability. In space, solar cells must be highly efficient as they are the primary source of power for satellites and other spacecraft.

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2 Simulation challenges and requirements

However, multijunction solar cells also pose several challenges and requirements for simulation. First, they involve multiple layers and interfaces that need to be modeled accurately and consistently. Second, they require a detailed representation of the optical and electrical properties of each subcell and their interactions. Third, they need to account for the effects of temperature, concentration, and spectrum variations on the performance and reliability of the device. Therefore, simulation tools and methods for multijunction solar cells need to be versatile, comprehensive, and accurate.

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Dr. Rajkumar Sahu

Thin Film ♦ Semiconductor ♦ Solar Cell ♦ Nano Fabrication ♦ Optoelectronic ♦ Photonics ♦ Metrology ♦ Microelectronics
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Simulation tools and methods for multijunction solar cells need to be versatile, comprehensive, and accurate. The complex structure of multijunction solar cells requires that the simulation tools can accurately model the behavior of each layer and interface, including their optical and electrical properties, and the interactions between them. Moreover, the simulation tools need to account for various external factors such as temperature, concentration, and spectrum variations, as these factors can significantly affect the performance and reliability of the device.

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3 Simulation tools and methods

Various simulation tools and methods are available for multijunction solar cells, each with their own advantages and limitations. Technology computer-aided design (TCAD) is a general-purpose simulation tool that can provide detailed information on the electrical and optical characteristics of multijunction solar cells. However, TCAD can be computationally intensive and require extensive calibration and validation. Solar cell capacitance simulator (SCAPS) is a specialized simulation tool that can model the electrical behavior of multijunction solar cells, but cannot model the optical properties. Spectral matching and radiation transport simulator (SMARTS) is another specialized simulation tool that can model the optical properties of multijunction solar cells, such as the spectral response, the external quantum efficiency, and the reflectance. SMARTS can also calculate the spectral mismatch factor. However, SMARTS cannot model the electrical properties of the device and requires external input for these values.

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4 Simulation strategies and best practices

To achieve the best results from simulation, it is important to implement a few strategies and best practices that can improve accuracy and efficiency. This includes combining tools and methods, such as TCAD for physical modeling, SCAPS for electrical analysis, and SMARTS for optical analysis. It is also essential to use reliable and consistent data from reputable sources, as well as appropriate models and parameters that are suitable for the type and structure of the subcells. Additionally, optimization and sensitivity analysis techniques can help identify optimal values and ranges of key variables, as well as assess the robustness of the device.

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