Student research opportunities
Silicon tandem cells
Project Code: CECS_956
This project is available at the following levels:
Supervisor:
Professor Andrew BlakersOutline:
1. Silicon tandem cells: Silicon solar cells constitute 90% of the world market. However, efficiency is limited to 29% (theoretical). Silicon tandem cells, in which a high bandgap cell is placed in front of a silicon cell, have a much higher efficiency potential. The top cell has to be efficient if the overall tandem efficiency is to be higher than a good silicon cell alone. Unfortunately, no suitable low cost, high efficiency, high bandgap cell currently is available. The aim of this project is to theoretically examine the efficiency and cost requirements for a hypothetical top cell, relate this to existing candidate top cells, and draw conclusions about the best candidates. The student will need to have a good understanding of photovoltaic theory and technology, as evidenced by good results in relevant subjects.
