Improving Thin-Film Solar Cells through Optical Modeling

by Janez Krc, Franc Smole, & Marko Topic SPIE Newsroom, accessed 7 Sep 2006 Thin-film solar cells convert solar energy into electrical energy, but require less material and lower temperatures than their conventional counterparts. Typically, thin-film solar cells comprise semi-transparent layers with thicknesses measured in microns and nanometers. Also, they have textured interfaces that scatter incoming light, prolonging the optical path. This improves light trapping and optical absorption by the layers, ultimately increasing the overall efficiency of solar-to-electric energy conversion. Read more