Matching the photocurrent of perovskite/organic tandem solar modules by varying the cell width

TL;DR

This study demonstrates that adjusting cell widths in perovskite/organic tandem modules effectively achieves photocurrent matching, enabling higher efficiencies and flexible device coupling at the module level.

Contribution

First experimental demonstration of photocurrent matching by cell width variation in perovskite/organic tandem modules, facilitating non-monolithic device integration.

Findings

Achieved excellent Isc matching by tuning cell widths to 7.22 mm and 3.19 mm.

Obtained a champion efficiency of 14.94% for the tandem module.

Proved the concept's usefulness for coupling non-complementary semiconductors.

Abstract

Photocurrent matching in conventional monolithic tandem solar cells is achieved by choosing semiconductors with complementary absorption spectra and by carefully adjusting the optical properties of the complete top and bottom stacks. However, for thin film photovoltaic technologies at the module level, another design variable significantly alleviates the task of photocurrent matching, namely the cell width, whose modification can be readily realized by the adjustment of the module layout. Herein we demonstrate this concept at the experimental level for the first time for a 2T-mechanically stacked perovskite (FAPbBr3)/organic (PM6:Y6:PCBM) tandem mini-module, an unprecedented approach for these emergent photovoltaic technologies fabricated in an independent manner. An excellent Isc matching is achieved by tuning the cell widths of the perovskite and organic modules to 7.22 mm (PCEPVKT-mod= 6.69%) and 3.19 mm (PCEOPV-mod= 12.46%), respectively, leading to a champion efficiency of 14.94% for the tandem module interconnected in series with an aperture area of 20.25 cm2. Rather than demonstrating high efficiencies at the level of small lab cells, our successful experimental proof-of-concept at the module level proves to be particularly useful to couple devices with non-complementary semiconductors, either in series or in parallel electrical connection, hence overcoming the limitations imposed by the monolithic structure.