Plasmonic Light Scattering in Textured Silicon Solar Cells with Indium Nanoparticles from Normal to Non-Normal Light Incidence
Journal
Materials
Journal Volume
10
Pages
65602
Date Issued
2017
Author(s)
Abstract
In this study, we sought to improve the light trapping of textured silicon solar cells using the plasmonic light scattering of indium nanoparticles (In NPs) of various dimensions. The light trapping modes of textured-silicon surfaces with and without In NPs were investigated at an angle of incidence (AOI) ranging from 0° to 75°. The optical reflectance, external quantum efficiency (EQE), and photovoltaic performance were first characterized under an AOI of 0°. We then compared the EQE and photovoltaic current density-voltage (J-V) as a function of AOI in textured silicon solar cells with and without In NPs. We observed a reduction in optical reflectance and an increase in EQE when the cells textured with pyramidal structures were coated with In NPs. We also observed an impressive increase in the average weighted external quantum efficiency (ΔEQEw) and short-circuit current-density (ΔJsc) in cells with In NPs when illuminated under a higher AOI. The ΔEQEw values of cells with In NPs were 0.37% higher than those without In NPs under an AOI of 0°, and 3.48% higher under an AOI of 75°. The ΔJsc values of cells with In NPs were 0.50% higher than those without In NPs under an AOI of 0°, and 4.57% higher under an AOI of 75°. The application of In NPs clearly improved the light trapping effects. This can be attributed to the effects of plasmonic light-scattering over the entire wavelength range as well as an expanded angle of incident light. © 2017 by the authors.
Subjects
Indium nanoparticles (In NPs); Light trapping modes; Plasmonic light scattering; Textured silicon solar cells
SDGs
Other Subjects
Efficiency; Indium; Light scattering; Nanoparticles; Plasmons; Quantum efficiency; Reflection; Silicon; Solar cells; Solar power generation; External quantum efficiency; Indium nanoparticles; Light trapping effects; Light-trapping; Optical reflectance; Photovoltaic current density; Photovoltaic performance; Pyramidal structures; Silicon solar cells
Type
journal article