Ideal Solar Cell Efficiencies

TL;DR

This paper clarifies misconceptions and corrects errors in a recent review of the Shockley-Queisser limit, which defines the maximum efficiency of single-junction solar cells, emphasizing the importance of understanding fundamental limits as solar technology advances.

Contribution

It provides critical clarifications and corrections to a recent interpretation of the Shockley-Queisser model, enhancing understanding of solar cell efficiency limits.

Findings

Identifies misconceptions in Guillemoles et al's interpretation of SQ model.

Corrects errors related to photovoltaic efficiency limits.

Highlights importance of accurate fundamental understanding for advancing solar technology.

Abstract

In a recent paper, Guillemoles et al [J.F. Guillemoles, T. Kirchartz, D. Cahen and U Rau, Guide for the perplexed to the Shockley-Queisser model for solar cells, Nat. Photonics, 13, 501 (2019)] attempt to clarify and explain the often cited paper by Shockley and Queisser (SQ) which defines the limits to photovoltaic conversion by a single-junction solar cell. The SQ paper is not easy to read and is therefore easily misunderstood. As modern solar cells approach theoretical efficiency limits, the fundamentals become particularly important and the effort by Guillemoles et al is therefore to be welcome. However, in doing so, the authors have fallen into several pitfalls and the aim of the present note is to clarify a number of misconceptions and correct some errors in that paper.