High Density Quantum Dot Solar Cells for Concentrating Photovoltaics (CPV)

For a multijunction solar cell (MJSC), the current matching in each subcell becomes the key issue to achieve high efficiency. For an intermediate band solar cell (IBSC) on the other hand, which also has a potential of achieving high efficiency, its equivalent circuit is comprised of a series/parallel circuit and thus it operates at a higher current density than a MJSC. Due to this inherent property, heat management becomes important when operated under a high concentrating condition. In this work, we propose one solution to this problem, where a wide bandgap cell is placed on top of IBSC, which serves as a current constraint cell but also leads to a higher V-OC and hence cell efficiency.