Novel Semi-transparent Solar Cell Based on Ultrathin Multiple Si/Ge Quantum Wells

Kurzfassung

In this work, we demonstrate a novel semi-transparent solar cell based on ultrathin hydrogenated amorphous Si/Ge multiple quantum wells (MQW). This concept allows extra degree of freedom for both optical design and bandgap engineering compared to single QW structures. Mainly, the multiplication of the QWs number in a periodic configuration, taking advantage of effective synergy between electronic and photonic confinements, leads to an improvement of photocurrent, while preserving high voltage and fill factor and ensuring significant transparency. The MQW new concept yields a boost in power conversion efficiency up to 3.4% and a considerable average visible transmission of about 33%. The achieved performance points out the promising potential of the proposed semitransparent ultrathin QW solar cell for glass façades and solar windows applications.