Solar Cell Modeling and Simulation
Abstract
An important aspect of solar cell design and analysis is the ability to model the wide variety of structures which are presently under study. This document reports on the application of the Poisson and Continuity Solver (PISCES) semiconductor modeling code to solar cell studies. The original program supplied by Stanford University has been modified to include optical generation processes as required and to correct a number of significant programming errors. In its present form, nearly all solar cell structures which have been proposed can be simulated by PISCES, as well as a variety of other opto-electronic devices and processes. The material parameters which may be adjusted include, but are not restricted to, doping profiles, bulk, interface and surface recombination characteristics, and contact properties such as ohmic, Schottky or insulating. The major model selections available include Boltzmann or Fermi- Dirac carrier statistics, voltage or current boundary conditions, and steady state or time-dependent analyses. The program capabilities are demonstrated by analysis of several state-of-the art solar cell designs in which the important design parameters are varied and their effect on the cell output parameters shown.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 05, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA193249
Entities
People
- D. C. Marvin
Organizations
- The Aerospace Corporation