Efficiency Enhancement of Multicrystalline Silicon Solar Cells by Inserting Two-Step Growth Thermal Oxide to the Surface Passivation Layer
In this study, the efficiency of the multicrystalline was improved by inserting a two-step growth thermal oxide layer as the surface passivation layer. Two-step thermal oxidation process can reduce carrier recombination at the surface and improve cell efficiency. The first oxidation step had a growt...
Main Authors: | , , , |
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Format: | Article |
Language: | English |
Published: |
Hindawi Limited
2017-01-01
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Series: | International Journal of Photoenergy |
Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2017/9503857 |
Summary: | In this study, the efficiency of the multicrystalline was improved by inserting a two-step growth thermal oxide layer as the surface passivation layer. Two-step thermal oxidation process can reduce carrier recombination at the surface and improve cell efficiency. The first oxidation step had a growth temperature of 780°C, a growth time of 5 min, and with N2/O2 gas flow ratio 12 : 1. The second oxidation had a growth temperature of 750°C, growth time of 20 min, and under pure N2 gas environment. Carrier lifetime was increased to 15.45 μs, and reflectance was reduced 0.52% using the two-step growth method as compared to the conventional one-step growth oxide passivation method. Consequently, internal quantum efficiency of the solar cell increased 4.1%, and conversion efficiency increased 0.37%. These results demonstrate that the two-step thermal oxidation process is an efficient way to increase the efficiency of the multicrystalline silicon solar cells. |
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ISSN: | 1110-662X 1687-529X |