Solar photons beyond the band gap wavelengths: their effect on solution-processed solar cells

George Perrakis*, Apostolos Panagiotopoulos, Temur Maksudov, Chrysa Aivalioti, Essa A. Alharbi, Shadi Fatayer, Martin Heeney, Anna C. Tasolamprou, George Kenanakis, Konstantinos Petridis, Thomas D. Anthopoulos, S. Ravi P. Silva, Michael Graetzel, Maria Kafesaki, George Kakavelakis*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

A deep understanding of how solution-processed solar cells (SSCs) perform under varying temperatures and irradiance is crucial for their optimal design, synthesis, and use. However, current partial spectral characterization, primarily below the band gap wavelengths (λ < λg), limits insights into their full operation. In this work, we expand the current knowledge by providing comprehensive full-spectrum experimental optical characterizations (∼300-2500 nm) and theoretical optical-thermal-electrical analysis for the most common high-efficiency single-junction and tandem organic SSCs (OSCs) and perovskite SSCs (PSCs), including p-i-n OSC, n-i-p OSC, p-i-n PSC, n-i-p mesoscopic PSC, OSC/PSC, and PSC/PSC. By incorporating solar photons above λg in our investigation, we uncover the effects of parasitic absorption (∼300-2500 nm) and conversion losses (λ < λg) on operating temperature and power conversion efficiency (PCE) losses, highlighting the conditions, materials, and optimal architectures for reducing device temperature. These improvements could reduce PCE losses by up to ∼7 times compared to conventional silicon wafer-based solar cells in real-world conditions.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2922-2934
Number of pages13
JournalMaterials Horizons
Volume12
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 26 2025

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2025 The Royal Society of Chemistry.

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Materials Science
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Process Chemistry and Technology
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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