Abstract
The thermodynamic limit of photovoltaic efficiency for a single-junction solar cell can be readily predicted using the bandgap of the active light absorbing material. Such an approach overlooks the energy loss due to non-radiative electron-hole processes. We propose a practical ab initio procedure to determine the maximum efficiency of a thin-film solar cell that takes into account both radiative and non-radiative recombination. The required input includes the frequency-dependent optical absorption coefficient, as well as the capture cross sections and equilibrium populations of point defects. For kesterite-structured Cu2ZnSnS4, the radiative limit is reached for a film thickness of around 2.6 μm, where the efficiency gain due to light absorption is counterbalanced by losses due to the increase in recombination current.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 243905 |
Journal | Applied Physics Letters |
Volume | 118 |
Issue number | 24 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 14 Jun 2021 |
Bibliographical note
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