Silicon solar cells with reduced temperature sensitivity

Abstract

As the open-circuit voltage of silicon solar cells continues to improve, one resulting advantage, not widely appreciated, is reduced temperature sensitivity of device performance. Recently a new type of silicon solar cell has been described which has resulted in a significant increase in open circuit voltage. Experimental results are described for these devices which demonstrate the lowest temperature sensitivity ever reported for silicon cells under unconcentrated sunlight. With further improvements in voltage, it should be possible to approach the relative temperature insensitivity of some high performance GaAs devices. Show more