Prediction of the open-circuit voltage of solar cells from the steady-state photoconductance

Abstract

The steady-state photoconductance is a relevant parameter for solar cells. Minority carrier lifetimes, surface recombination velocities, diffused region recombination and open-circuit voltages can be determined from an analysis of photoconductance data. Computer simulations of archetypical cases are used here to demonstrate the usefulness of such an analysis and, in particular, the possibility of predicting device voltages from contactless photoconductance measurements. Simple theoretical models are given to provide physical insight and guide the analysis. A systematic approach is described that permits diagnosis and identification of the dominant recombination mechanisms for a given device structure. Show more