Theoretical Studies of Thin-Film Solar Cells based on CdTe with different Window-Layers

Authors

H. A. Mohamed, Physics department, Faculty of Science, Sohag University, 82524 Sohag, EgyptFollow
Mahrous R. Ahmed, Physics department, Faculty of Science, Sohag University, 82524 Sohag, EgyptFollow
Sh. S. Ali, Physics department, Faculty of Science, Sohag University, 82524 Sohag, EgyptFollow
W. S. Mohamed, Physics department, Faculty of Science, Sohag University, 82524 Sohag, Egypt\\ Physics Department, College of Science, Jouf University, Al-Jouf, Sakaka, P.O. Box 2014, Saudi ArabiaFollow

Abstract

The effect of using different types of window layer on the performance of thin-film solar cell based on CdTe was studied. Here, we investigated Cadmium Sulphide (CdS), Zinc Selenide (ZnSe) and Zinc Sulphide (ZnS) as window layer candidates. The calculations of short-circuit current density, internal quantum efficacy, external quantum efficient and the solar cell efficacy were achieved based on the optical and recombination losses. The calculation of the optical losses was performed considering the reflection process at the interfaces of the contacted layer and absorption process in the frontal charge-collecting and window layers. The recombination loss estimates on both front and back surfaces of the CdTe layer is based upon the physical parameters of the window/absorber junction and absorber layer. It was found that the highest short-circuit current density of 26 mA/cm2, the lowest optical and recombination losses of 16% and consequently the highest cell efficiency of about 21.3% were achieved for ZnS window layer. For CdS window layer, the values of short-circuits current density, optical and recombination losses and cell efficiency were 23.38 mA/cm2, 25% and 19%, respectively. The corresponding values of ZnSe layer were between those of ZnS and CdS. These results show that ZnS is considered a good alternative material for the traditional CdS window layer or at least it makes a promising alloy with CdS.

Recommended Citation

A. Mohamed, H.; R. Ahmed, Mahrous; S. Ali, Sh.; and S. Mohamed, W. (2020) "Theoretical Studies of Thin-Film Solar Cells based on CdTe with different Window-Layers," International Journal of Thin Film Science and Technology: Vol. 9 : Iss. 3 , PP -.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.aaru.edu.jo/ijtfst/vol9/iss3/4