Search Results (141)

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are promising alternatives for power generation due to their environmental friendliness, cost effectiveness, and strong performance under diffused light. Conversely, their low spectral response in the ultraviolet (UV) region significantly obliterates their overall performance. The so-called luminescent down-shifting (LDS) presents a practical solution by converting high-energy UV photons into visible light that can be efficiently absorbed by sensitizer dyes. Herein, a conventional solid-state technique was applied for the synthesis of an LDS, europium (II)-doped barium orthosilicate (BaSiO₃:Eu²⁺) material. The material exhibited strong UV absorption, with prominent peaks near 400 nm and within the 200–300 nm range, despite a weaker response in the visible region. The estimated optical bandgap was 3.47 eV, making it well-suited for UV absorbers. Analysis of the energy transfer mechanism from the LDS material to the N719 dye sensitizer depicted a strong spectral overlap of $2\times {10}^{10}{\mathrm{M}}^{-1}{\mathrm{c}\mathrm{m}}^{-1}{\mathrm{n}\mathrm{m}}^4$, suggesting efficient energy transfer from the donor to the acceptor. The estimated Förster distance was approximately $6.83\mathrm{n}\mathrm{m}$, which matches the absorption profile of the dye-sensitizer. Our findings demonstrate the potential of BaSiO₃:Eu²⁺ as an effective LDS material for enhancing UV light absorption and improving DSSC performance through increased spectral utilization and reduced UV-induced degradation. Full article

In the world of solar technology, precisely extracting photovoltaic cell and panel parameters is key to efficient energy production. This paper presents a new metaheuristic algorithm for extracting parameters from photovoltaic cells using the functionality of the PID-based search algorithm (PSA). The research includes single-diode (SDM) and double-diode (DDM) models applied to RTC France, amorphous silicon (aSi), monocrystalline silicon (mSi), PVM 752 GaAs, and STM6-40 panels. Datasets from multijunction solar cells at three temperatures (41.5 °C, 51.3 °C, and 61.6 °C) were used. PSA performance was assessed using root mean square error (RMSE), mean bias error (MBE), and absolute error (AE). A strategy was introduced by refining PID parameters and relocating error calculations outside the main loop to enhance exploration and exploitation. A Lévy flight-based zero-output mechanism was integrated, enabling shorter extraction times and requiring a smaller population, while enhancing search diversity and mitigating local optima entrapment. PSA was compared against 26 top-performing algorithms. RTC France showed RMSE improvements of 0.67–2.10% in 3.35 s, while for the mSi model, PSA achieved up to 40.9% improvement in 5.57 s and 22.18% for PVM 752 in 8.52 s. PSA’s accuracy and efficiency make it a valuable tool for advancing renewable energy technologies. Full article

Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology has emerged as the most preferred source of clean energy generation and has been deployed at a large scale. However, end-of-life management of the PV modules is a critical issue that has garnered the recent attention of lawmakers and researchers alike. Consequently, several researchers are actively developing technology to recycle the end-of-life PV modules. Since silicon PV modules account for more than 90% of the modules deployed globally, most of these efforts are focused on recycling crystalline silicon PV modules. Researchers have primarily focused on recovering pure silver from the contacts and pure Si from the solar cells. However, to ensure complete recyclability of such panels, the different polymers used in these modules must also be recycled. This review addresses the issue of recycling the polymers from end-of-life c-Si modules. Scopus and Google Scholar were used to search for the relevant literature. This review presents the current state-of-the-art technology related to polymer recycling found in the PV modules, the challenges encountered in their recycling, and the outlook. While research on the recycling of polymers has progressed in the last few decades, the instances of their applications in the recycling of polymers from PV panels are rarely reported in the literature. In this work, certain technical pathways, which can be employed to recycled polymers obtained from end-of-life PV panels, are presented. Recycling the polymers from the end-of-life silicon PV modules is crucial for improving the sustainability of solar PV technology. Full article

KSnI₃-based perovskite solar cells have attracted a lot of research interest due their unique electronic, optical, and thermal properties. In this study, we optimized the performance of various lead-free perovskite solar cell structures—specifically, FTO/Al–ZnO/KSnI₃/rGO/Se, FTO/LiTiO₂/KSnI₃/rGO/Se, FTO/ZnO/KSnI₃/rGO/Se, and FTO/SnO₂/KSnI₃/rGO/Se, using the SCAPS-1D simulation tool. The optimization focused on the thicknesses and dopant densities of the rGO, KSnI₃, Al–ZnO, LiTiO₂, ZnO, and SnO₂ layers, the thickness of the FTO electrode, as well as the defect density of KSnI₃. This yielded PCE values of 27.60%, 24.94%, 27.62%, and 30.21% for the FTO/Al–ZnO/KSnI₃/rGO/Se, FTO/LiTiO₂/KSnI₃/rGO/Se, FTO/ZnO/KSnI₃/rGO/Se, and FTO/SnO₂/KSnI₃/rGO/Se perovskite solar cell configurations, respectively. The FTO/SnO₂/KSnI₃/rGO/Se device is 7.43% more efficient than the FTO/SnO₂/3C-SiC/KSnI₃/NiO/C device, which is currently the highest performing KSnI₃-based perovskite solar cell in the literature. Thus, our FTO/SnO₂/KSnI₃/rGO/Se perovskite solar cell structure is now, by far, the most efficient PSC design. Its best performance is achieved under ideal conditions of a series resistance of 0.5 Ω cm², a shunt resistance of 10⁷ Ω cm², and a temperature of 371 K. Full article

This study proposed a novel perovskite/silicon heterojunction (SHJ) tandem device structure without an interlayer, represented as ITO/NiO/perovskite/SnO₂/MoO_X/i-a-Si:H/n-c-Si/i-a-Si:H/n-a-Si:H/Ag, which was investigated by Silvaco TCAD software. The recombination layer in this structure comprises the carrier transport layers of SnO₂ and MoO_X, where MoO_X serves dual functions, acting as the emitter for the SHJ bottom cell and as part of the recombination layer in the tandem cell. First, the effects of different recombination layers are analyzed, and the SnO₂/MoO_X layer demonstrates the best performance. Then, we systematically investigated the impact of the carrier concentration, interface defect density, thicknesses of the SnO₂/MoO_X layer, different hole transport layers (HTLs) for the top cell, absorption layer thicknesses, and perovskite defect density on device performance. The optimal carrier concentration in the recombination layer should exceed 5 × 10¹⁹ cm⁻³, the interface defect density should be below 1 × 10¹⁶ cm⁻², and the thicknesses of SnO₂/MoO_X should be kept at 20 nm/20 nm. CuSCN has been found to be the optimal HTL for the top cell. When the silicon absorption layer is 200 μm, the perovskite layer thickness is 470 nm, and the defect density of the perovskite layer is 10¹¹ cm⁻³, the planar structure can achieve the best performance of 32.56%. Finally, we studied the effect of surface texturing on the SHJ bottom cell, achieving a power conversion efficiency of 35.31% for the tandem cell. Our simulation results suggest that the simplified perovskite/SHJ tandem solar cell with a dual-functional MoO_X layer has the potential to provide a viable pathway for developing high-efficiency tandem devices. Full article

Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology is developing quickly due to the continual rise in demand for energy and environmental protection. Solar thermal photovoltaic (STPV) systems can break the Shockley–Queisser limit of conventional PV systems by reshaping the solar spectrum using selective absorbers and emitters. However, the traditional design method relies on the designer’s experience, which fails to achieve rapid designing of STPV devices and greatly improve the performance. In this paper, an STPV thin-film selective emitter is inversely designed based on a genetic algorithm. The optimized structure consists of SiO₂ and SiC layers alternately stacked on a Cr substrate, whose emissivity can reach 0.99 at 1.86 μm. When combined with an InGaAsSb cell, the power conversion efficiency can be up to 43.3% at 1673 K. This straightforward and easily scalable film emitter can be designed quickly and gain excellent efficiency, which promotes the practical application of STPV systems. Full article

Flexibility, light weight, and mechanical robustness are the key advantages of flexible photovoltaic (PV) modules, making them highly versatile for sustainable energy solutions. Unlike traditional rigid PV modules, their flexible nature makes them incredibly versatile for harnessing energy in places where doing so was once impossible. They have a wide range of applications due to their flexibility and moldability, making it possible to conform these modules to surfaces like curved rooftops and other irregular structures. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive review of all the materials used in flexible PV modules with a focus on their role in sustainability. We thoroughly discuss the active-layer materials for crystalline silicon (c-Si)-based solar cells (SC) and thin-film solar cells such as cadmium telluride (CdTe), as well as copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS), amorphous thin-film silicon (a-Si), perovskite and organic solar cells. Various properties, such as the optical, barrier, thermal, and mechanical properties of different substrate materials, are reviewed. Transport layers and conductive electrode materials are discussed with a focus on emerging trends and contributions to sustainable PV technology. Various fabrication techniques involved in making flexible PV modules, along with advantages, disadvantages, and future trends, are highlighted in the paper. The commercialization of flexible PV is also discussed, which is a crucial milestone in advancing and adapting new technologies in the PV industry with a focus on contributing toward sustainability. Full article

The development of new encapsulating coatings for flexible solar cells (SCs) can help address the complex problem of the short lifespan of these devices, as well as optimize the technological process of their production. In this study, new laminate-type protective composite coatings were prepared using a silicon oxynitride thin-film matrix obtained by curing the pre-ceramic polymer perhydropolysilazane (PHPS) through two low-temperature methods: (i) thermal annealing at 180 °C and (ii) exposure to UV radiation at wavelengths of 185 and 254 nm. Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were used as fillers via dry transfer, facilitating their horizontal orientation within the matrix. The optical, adhesive, and structural properties of the matrix films and SiO_xN_y/SWCNT composite coatings, along with their long-term stability, were studied using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-Vis spectroscopy, HR-SEM, spectral ellipsometry, and a progressive-load scratch test. In this work, the optical constants of PHPS-derived films were systematically studied for the first time. An antireflection effect was observed in the composites revealing their two-component nature associated with (i) the refractive index of the SiO_xN_y matrix film and (ii) the embedding of a SWCNT filler into the SiO_xN_y matrix. The curing method of PHPS was shown to significantly affect the resulting properties of the films. In addition to being used as protective multifunctional coatings for SCs, both SiO_xN_y/SWCNT composites and SiO_xN_y matrix films also function as broadband optical antireflective coatings. Furthermore, due to the very low friction coefficients observed in the mechanical tests, they show potential as scratch resistant coatings for mechanical applications. Full article

Radiative cooling, an emerging technology that reflects sunlight and emits radiation into outer space, has gained much attention due to its energy-efficient nature and broad applicability in buildings, photovoltaic cells, and vehicles. This study focused on fabricating SiO₂-polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and TiO₂-SiO₂-PMMA thick films via the blade-coating method. The investigation aimed to improve cooling performance by adding TiO₂ particles to increase the coverage area and utilize the TiO₂ reflectance ability. The characterizations of the emissivity/absorptivity, solar reflectance, and microstructure of the thick films were conducted by using ultraviolet–visible/near-infrared (UV-Vis/NIR) diffuse reflection spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. Experimental results revealed that the maximum temperature drops of approximately 9.4 and 9.8 °C were achieved during the daytime period for SiO₂-PMMA and TiO₂-SiO₂-PMMA thick films. The total solar radiation reflectivity increased from 71.7 to 75.6% for SiO₂-PMMA radiative cooling thick films after adding TiO₂. These findings underscored the potential of TiO₂-SiO₂-PMMA thick films in advancing radiative cooling technology and cooling capabilities across various applications. Full article

Tandem solar cells have the potential to be more efficient than the Shockley–Queisser limit imposed on single junction cells. In this study, optical and electrical modeling based on experimental data were used to investigate the possibility of boosting the performance of kesterite/c-Si tandem solar cells by inserting an alternative nontoxic TiO₂ buffer layer into the kesterite top subcell. First, with SCAPS-1D simulation, we determined the data reported for the best kesterite (CZTS (Eg = 1.5 eV)) device in the experiments to be used as a simulation baseline. After obtaining metric parameters close to those reported, the influence on the optoelectronic characteristics of replacing CdS with a TiO₂ buffer layer was studied and analyzed. Different top subcell absorbers (CZTS0.8Se0.2 (Eg = 1.4 eV), CZTS (Eg = 1.5 eV), CZTS (Eg = 1.6 eV), and CZT0.6Ge0.4S (Eg = 1.7 eV)) with different thicknesses were investigated under AM1.5 illumination. Then, to achieve current matching conditions, the c-Si bottom subcell, with an efficiency at the level of commercially available subcells (19%), was simulated using various top subcells transmitting light calculated using the transfer matrix method (TMM) for optical modeling. Adding TiO₂ significantly enhanced the electrical and optical performance of the kesterite top subcell due to the decrease in parasitic light absorption and heterojunction interface recombination. The best tandem device with a TiO₂ buffer layer for the top subcell with an optimum bandgap equal to 1.7 eV (CZT0.6Ge0.4S4) and a thickness of 0.8 µm achieved an efficiency of approximately 20%. These findings revealed that using a TiO₂ buffer layer is a promising way to improve the performance of kesterite/Si tandem solar cells in the future. However, important optical and electrical breakthroughs are needed to make kesterite materials viable for tandem applications. Full article

This research, which involved a comprehensive methodology, including depositing electroplated copper on a copper seed layer and Al-doped ZnO (AZO) thin films on textured silicon substrates using DC magnetron sputtering with varying substrate heating, has yielded significant findings. The study thoroughly investigated the effects of substrate temperature (Ts) on copper adhesion strength and morphology using the peel force test and electron microscopy. The peel force test was conducted at angles of 90°, 135°, and 180°. The average adhesion strength was about 0.2 N/mm for the samples without substrate heating. For the samples with substrate heating at 100 °C, the average peeling force of the electroplated copper film was about 1 N/mm. The average peeling force increased to 1.5 N/mm as the substrate heating temperature increased to 200 °C. The surface roughness increases as the annealing temperature of the Cu/AZO/Si sample increases. These findings not only provide a reliable and robust method for applying AZO transparent conductive films onto silicon solar cells but also underscore its potential to significantly enhance the efficiency and durability of solar cells significantly, thereby instilling confidence in the field of solar cell technology. Full article

Modules based on c-Si cells account for more than 90% of the photovoltaic capacity installed worldwide, which is why the analysis in this paper focusses on this cell type. This study provides an overview of the current state of silicon-based photovoltaic technology, the direction of further development and some market trends to help interested stakeholders make decisions about investing in PV technologies, and it can be an excellent incentive for young scientists interested in this field to find a narrower field of research. This analysis covers all process steps, from the production of metallurgical silicon from raw material quartz to the production of cells and modules, and it includes technical, economic and environmental aspects. The economic aspect calls for more economical production. The ecological aspect looks for ways to minimise the negative impact of cell production on the environment by reducing emissions and using environmentally friendly materials. The technical aspect refers to the state of development of production technologies that contribute to achieving the goals of the economic, environmental and sustainability-related aspects. This involves ways to reduce energy consumption in all process steps, cutting ingots into wafers with the smallest possible cutting width (less material waste), producing thin cells with the greatest possible dimensional accuracy, using cheaper materials and more efficient production. An extremely important goal is to achieve the highest possible efficiency of PV cells, which is achieved by reducing cell losses (optical, electrical, degradation). New technologies in this context are Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact (TOPcon), Interdigitated Back Contact Cells (IBCs), Heterojunction Cells (HJTs), Passivated Emitter Rear Totally Diffused cells (PERTs), silicon heterojunction cells (SHJs), Multi-Bush, High-Density Cell Interconnection, Shingled Cells, Split Cells, Bifacial Cells and others. The trend is also to increase the cell size and thus increase the output power of the module but also to reduce the weight of the module per kW of power. Research is also focused to maximise the service life of PV cells and minimise the degradation of their operating properties over time. The influence of shade and the increase in cell temperature on the operating properties should preferably be minimised. In this context, half-cut and third-cut cell technology, covering the cell surface with a layer that reduces soiling and doping with gallium instead of boron are newer technologies that are being applied. All of this leads to greater sustainability in PV technology, and solar energy becomes more affordable and necessary in the transition to a “green” economy. Full article

Volumetric ceramic receivers can be regarded as a promising technology to heat air above 1000 °C for solar thermal electricity production. In this study, the thermal shock behavior of commercial 10 ppi (A) and 20 ppi (B) oxide-bonded silicon carbide (ob-SiC) reticulated porous ceramic (RPC) foams was evaluated using the SF60 solar furnace at Plataforma Solar de Almería. The foams were subjected to well-controlled temperature cycles ranging from 800 to 1000, 1200, 1300 or 1400 °C, for 25, 100, and 150 cycles. The extent of the damage after thermal shock was determined by crushing tests. The damage was found to be critically dependent on both the bulk density and cell size. Decreasing both the bulk density and cell size resulted in better thermal shock resistance. The B foam exhibited approximately half the stress degradation compared to the A foam when exposed to a temperature difference of 600 K (in the range of 800 to 1400 °C) and subjected to 150 cycles. Full article

The aim of this work was to study the purification of silicon kerf loss waste (KLW) by a combination of single-acid leaching followed by inductive melting at high temperatures with an addition of fluidized bed reactor (FBR) silicon granules. The KLW indicated an average particle size (D50) of approximately 1.6 µm, and a BET surface area of 30.4 m²/g. Acid leaching by 1 M HCl indicated significant removal of impurities such as Ni (77%), Fe (91%) and P (75%). The combined two-stage treatment resulted in significant removal of the major impurities: Al (78%), Ni (79%), Ca (85%), P (92%) and Fe (99%). The general material loss during melting decreased with an increasing amount of FBR silicon granules which aided in the melting process and indicated better melting. It was observed that the melting behavior of the samples improved as the temperature increased, with complete melting being observed throughout the crucibles at the highest temperature (1800 °C) used, even without any additives. At lower temperatures (1600 °C–1700 °C) and lower FBR-Si (<30 wt.%) additions, the melting was incomplete, with patches of molten silicon and a lot of surface oxidation as confirmed by both visual observation and electron microscopy. In addition, it was indicated that more reactive and volatile elements (Ga, Mg and P) compared to silicon are partially removed in the melting process (51–87%), while the less reactive elements end up in the final silicon melt. It was concluded that if optimized, the combined treatment of single-acid leaching and inductive melting with the addition of granular FBR silicon has great potential for the recycling of KLW to solar cells and similar applications. Moreover, the application of higher melting temperatures is accompanied by a higher silicon yield of the process, and the involved mechanisms are presented. Full article

Carrier-selective contacts (CSCs) for high-efficiency heterojunction solar cells have been widely studied due to their advantages of processing at relatively low temperatures and simple fabrication processes. Transition metal oxide (TMO) (e.g., molybdenum oxide, vanadium oxide, and tungsten oxide) thin films are widely used as hole-selective contacts (HSCs, required work function for Si solar cells > 5.0 eV). However, when TMO thin films are used, difficulties are faced in uniform deposition. In this study, we fabricated a copper (I) iodide (CuI) thin film (work function > 5.0 eV) that remained relatively stable during atmospheric exposure compared with TMO thin films and employed it as an HSC layer in an n-type Si solar cell. To facilitate efficient hole collection, we conducted iodine annealing at temperatures of 100–180 °C to enhance the film’s electrical characteristics (carrier density and carrier mobility). Subsequently, we fabricated CSC Si solar cells using the annealed CuI_x layer, which achieved an efficiency of 6.42%. Full article