Innovation in solar energy technology: Simulation and performance analysis of high-efficiency solar cells with absorber layers composed of silicon and cadmium telluride

Document Type : Original Article

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Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Islamic Azad University, Yazd Branch, Yazd, Iran

Abstract

In the search for sustainable and cost-effective solutions for energy generation, thin-film solar cells composed of cadmium telluride (CdTe) and silicon (Si) have emerged as a powerful option. This study, using SCAPS-1D simulation software, investigates the performance and optimization of these solar cells in detail. The main focus is on the effect of the thickness of five different buffer layers including CdS, In₂S₃, ZnO, ZnSe, and ZnS, which are applied in thicknesses ranging from 10 to 100 nm. The proposed FTO/ZMO/CdTe/CdSiₓTeᵧ/p-Si/ZnTe:Mo/Au structure includes a CdSiₓTeᵧ interlayer to reduce the lattice mismatch between CdTe and Si. The theoretical simulation results in SCAPS-1D environment show that by optimizing the structural parameters under idealized conditions, a predicted energy conversion efficiency of 28.42% can be theoretically achieved... These results represent theoretical limits and require experimental validation for practical implementation. with an open circuit voltage of 0.838 V, a short circuit current of 43.46 mA/cm2, and a form factor of 86.11%. This research shows that an interface state density of less than 10¹⁶ cm⁻² is essential for optimal performance. The findings of this research pave the way for the development of a new generation of solar cells with high efficiency and low manufacturing cost.

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