Solcore: A multi-scale, python-based library for modelling solar cells and semiconductor materials

TL;DR

Solcore is a versatile Python-based software library that enables detailed multi-scale modeling and simulation of various photovoltaic solar cells, from quantum structures to large arrays, aiding research and education.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive, modular tool that integrates optical and electrical modeling of solar cells across multiple scales, including nanostructures and atmospheric effects.

Findings

Supports modeling of quantum well and multi-junction solar cells

Allows fitting of experimental IV curves and luminescence data

Provides physical insights into photovoltaic operation mechanisms

Abstract

Computational models can provide significant insight into the operation mechanisms and deficiencies of photovoltaic solar cells. Solcore is a modular set of computational tools, written in Python 3, for the design and simulation of photovoltaic solar cells. Calculations can be performed on ideal, thermodynamic limiting behaviour, through to fitting experimentally accessible parameters such as dark and light IV curves and luminescence. Uniquely, it combines a complete semiconductor solver capable of modelling the optical and electrical properties of a wide range of solar cells, from quantum well devices to multi-junction solar cells. The model is a multi-scale simulation accounting for nanoscale phenomena such as the quantum confinement effects of semiconductor nanostructures, to micron level propagation of light through to the overall performance of solar arrays, including the modelling of the spectral irradiance based on atmospheric conditions. In this article we summarize the capabilities in addition to providing the physical insight and mathematical formulation behind the software with the purpose of serving as both a research and teaching tool.