Simulation-Based Optimisation of Anti-reflective Coating Materials for Si(n+)/Si(p) Heterojunction Silicon Solar Cells
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Abstract
This study investigates electrical and optical losses in silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells. It evaluates single-layer anti-reflective coatings (ARCs), including silicon dioxide (SiO₂), magnesium fluoride (MgF₂), magnesium oxide (MgO), titanium nitride (TiN) and aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃) to enhance light absorption and carrier generation. A one-dimensional PC1D simulation is used to model the device’s electrical and optical behaviour and to predict key parameters, including short-circuit current density (JSC), open-circuit voltage (VOC), fill factor (FF) and power conversion efficiency (PCE). It is also used to evaluate external quantum efficiency (EQE) and reflectance while optimising ARC layer properties. Results reveal that MgO delivers the best performance, achieving a peak VOC of 656 mV, JSC of 15.39 mA/cm², EQE of 93.1% at 630 nm and a minimum reflectance of 6.80%. Al₂O₃ and TiN follow closely, with EQE values of 92.98% and 92.83%, respectively, and reflectance minima of 6.91% and 7.05%, respectively. Meanwhile, SiO₂ and MgF₂ exhibit lower efficiencies, with peak EQE values of 83.73% and 86.27%, respectively. Overall, MgO, Al₂O₃, and TiN emerge as the most effective ARCs for improving Si solar cell performance.
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References
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