Computational design of high performance hybrid perovskite on silicon tandem solar cells

TL;DR

This paper uses numerical simulations to design a hybrid perovskite/silicon tandem solar cell with a predicted efficiency of 27%, surpassing current silicon and perovskite single-junction cells.

Contribution

It demonstrates a novel design for a high-efficiency hybrid perovskite on silicon tandem solar cell using simulation-based optimization.

Findings

Maximum predicted efficiency of 27% for the tandem cell.

Optimal perovskite composition with 20% bromide for current matching.

The tandem design exceeds efficiencies of standalone silicon and perovskite cells.

Abstract

In this study, the optoelectronic properties of a monolithically integrated series-connected tandem solar cell are simulated. Following the large success of hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites, which have recently demonstrated large efficiencies with low production costs, we examine the possibility of using the same perovskites as absorbers in a tandem solar cell. The cell consists in a methylammonium mixed bromide-iodide lead perovskite, CH3NH3PbI3(1-x)Br3x (0 < x < 1), top sub-cell and a single-crystalline silicon bottom sub-cell. A Si-based tunnel junction connects the two sub-cells. Numerical simulations are based on a one-dimensional numerical drift-diffusion model. It is shown that a top cell absorbing material with 20% of bromide and a thickness in the 300-400 nm range affords current matching with the silicon bottom cell. Good interconnection between single cells is ensured by standard n and p doping of the silicon at 5.10^19cm-3 in the tunnel junction. A maximum efficiency of 27% is predicted for the tandem cell, exceeding the efficiencies of stand-alone silicon (17.3%) and perovskite cells (17.9%) taken for our simulations, and more importantly, that of the record crystalline Si cells.