Device physics of heteroepitaxial film c-Si heterojunction solar cells

Sachit Grover, Charles W. Teplin, Jian V. Li, David C. Bobela, Jon Bornstein, Paul Schroeter, Steve Johnston, Harvey Guthrey, Paul Stradins, Howard M. Branz, David L. Young

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

We characterize heterojunction solar cells made from single-crystal silicon films grown heteroepitaxially using hot-wire chemical vapor deposition (HWCVD). Heteroepitaxy-induced dislocations limit the cell performance, providing a unique platform to study the device physics of thin crystal Si heterojunction solar cells. Hydrogen passivation of these dislocations enables an opencircuit voltage VOC close to 580 mV. However, dislocations are partially active, even after passivation. Using standard characterization methods, we compare the performance of heteroepitaxial absorbers with homoepitaxial absorbers that are free of dislocations. Heteroepitaxial cells have a smaller diffusion length and a larger ideality factor, indicating stronger recombination, which leads to inefficient current collection and a lower V OC than homoepitaxial cells. Modeling indicates that the recombination in the inversion layer of heterojunction cells made from defective absorbers is comparable with the overall recombination in the bulk. Temperature-dependent VOC measurements point to significant recombination at the interface that is attributable to the presence of dislocations.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2012 IEEE 38th Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, PVSC 2012
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
EditionPART 2
ISBN (Print)9781467328883
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2012
Event2012 IEEE 38th Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, PVSC 2012 - Austin, TX, United States
Duration: 2012 Jun 32012 Jun 8

Publication series

NameConference Record of the IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference
NumberPART 2
ISSN (Print)0160-8371

Other

Other2012 IEEE 38th Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, PVSC 2012
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityAustin, TX
Period12-06-0312-06-08

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Control and Systems Engineering
  • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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