Advances in multijunction solar cells: an overview

TL;DR

This review discusses recent advancements in multijunction solar cells, focusing on III-V types, highlighting technical challenges, potential applications, and emerging alternatives like perovskite/Si tandem cells.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive synthesis of recent research on computational and experimental methods, and evaluates future prospects and challenges for multijunction solar cells.

Findings

III-V MJSCs are promising for space applications.

Material and fabrication improvements are needed for terrestrial use.

Perovskite/Si tandem cells are emerging as viable alternatives.

Abstract

The advanced multijunction solar cell (MJSC) has emerged as a frontrunner in photovoltaic literature due to its superior photoconversion efficiency (PCE) owing to its complex fabrication procedure and high costs. This article aims to systematically review the advancements of III-V MJSCs by focusing on computational modelling and experimental fabrication methodologies. In addition, it addresses the technical barriers that have hindered the progression of MJSC technology while also evaluating the current status and prospects of these cells. The findings indicate that III-V MJSCs hold significant promise for space applications. However, advancements in materials science, growth techniques, and structural optimization are crucial for reducing fabrication costs to make these cells more viable for terrestrial use. In this context, alternatives such as perovskite/Si or perovskite/chalcogenide tandem solar cells emerge as viable options. By synthesizing insights from a thorough analysis of recent literature, this review serves as a valuable resource for researchers, industry practitioners, and newcomers seeking to deepen their understanding of the research methodologies, growth techniques, and the associated challenges and opportunities within the realm of MJSCs.