Thin-film CZTSSe solar cells efficiency improvement through BSF SnS layer and concentrator applications

ABSTRACT

In recent years, notable advancements have been achieved to increase the kesterite CZTSSe solar cells efficiency. The maximum experimental efficiency measured is approximately 13.6%. Compared to other (TFSCs), the current CZTSSe exhibits a low efficiency caused by a significant shortage in open-circuit voltage, and the power conversion current value is still largely lower than the Shockley-Queisser limit (28%). In this regard, this research paper presents a numerical study of CuZnTnSSe solar cell in concentrator application combined with BSF layer to improve its efficiency by using SCAPS-1D software. The solar cell is composed of ZnO/CdS/CZTSSe/Mo arrangement. Firstly, simulation and experimental published data were used for model validation. SnS layer incorporation as back surface field (BSF) results in enhancing its efficiency from 12.54% to 15.84%. Furthermore, BSF and absorber thickness and doping concentration have been optimized, resulting in an efficiency of 20.17% under ideal circumstances. The improved CZTSSe solar cell efficiency rises from 20.17% to 24.10% at 10 suns concentration when the concentrator effect is further examined. Finally, a practical test using a silicon (Si) solar cell with an 8X concentration Fresnel lens was conducted to validate the simulation approach. A similar pattern is shown under the concentration effect in both the simulation and experimental solar cells. The resultant conclusion offers insightful information about the utilization of CZTSSe solar cells in concentrators applications, especially when combined with (BSF) layer.

KEYWORDS:

• TFSCs (Thin Film Solar Cells)
• CZTSSe
• simulation
• SCAPS-1D
• back surface field (BSF)
• concentrator

Acknowledgements

The authors express their gratitude to the research group led by Dr M. Burgelman in the field of Electronics and Information Systems (ELIS) University of Gent, for the SCAPS-1D program.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Essaid Mansouri

Essaid Mansouri is a PhD student in Material engineering, at Military Polytechnics School, Bordj El Bahri- Algiers-Algeria. His research area of interest include mechanical system design, renewable energy, thin film growth and deposition and composite materials development and behavior. He has published several research papers in reputed journals and conferences.

Mahfoud Abderrezek

Mahfoud Abderrezek is Researcher & HDR in Electronics has got his PhD in electronics from Setif university of science and technology at 2015, and his HDR in electronics at 2017. Now he is a Research Director at Solar Equipment Development Unit, UDES-EPST/CDER Bou-Ismail-Tipaza-Algeria. His research interest includes: electronics, photovoltaic systems (PV-Lighting, White LEDs, Cleaning PV Panels), solar cell physics and technologies of photovoltaic modules and photovoltaic materials, reliability of photovoltaic modules and effect of the environment on the PV panels performances. He has been granted 2 Patent and more than 31published research paper in various International journal with high impact factor.

Abd Elhalim Benzetta

Abd Elhalim Benzetta has got his PhD in Mechanics from Ecole Militaire Polytechnique, Algeria at 2022. Now he is a Research at Higher School of Signals, Kolea-Tipaza-Algeria. His research interest includes material science, thin film solar cell (CIGS and CZTSSe) physics and their technologies, the impact of extrinsic parameters (temperature, sun light and dust) on of solar cells behavior. He has published more than 08 research papers in various WOS journals.