Solar energy enhancement using down-converting particles: A rigorous approach

Ze'Ev R. Abrams, Avi Niv, Xiang Zhang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

73 Scopus citations

Abstract

The efficiency of a single band-gap solar cell is specified by the Shockley-Queisser limit, which defines the maximal output power as a function of the solar cell's band-gap. One way to overcome this limit is by using a down-conversion process whereupon a high energy photon is split into two lower energy photons, thereby increasing the current of the cell. Here, we provide a full analysis of the possible efficiency increase when placing a down-converting material on top of a pre-existing solar cell. We show that a total 7 efficiency improvement is possible for a perfectly efficient down-converting material. Our analysis covers both lossless and lossy theoretical limits, as well as a thermodynamic evaluation. Finally, we describe the advantages of nanoparticles as a possible choice for a down-converting material.

Original languageEnglish
Article number114905
JournalJournal of Applied Physics
Volume109
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jun 2011
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physics and Astronomy (all)

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