An improved contribution to optimize Si and
GaAs solar cell performances N. Merabtinea, S. Amourachec, M. Bouaouinac, M. Zaabatb, Y. Saidic, C. Kenzaic
aLaboratoire Electromagnetisme et Telecommunication. Faculte des Sciences de l'Ingenieur Universite Mentouri Constantine bDepartement de physique, Institut des science Exactes Centre Universitaire d'Oum el Bouaghi 04000 Oum el Bouaghi, Algeria cLaboratoire des couches minces, Faculte des sciences Universite Mentouri Constantine Algeria
E-mail: na_merabtine@hotmail.com
Abstract. In resent years a considerable effort (experience, numerical simulation and theoretical
prediction models) has been devoted to the study of photovoltaic devices characterised by
high efficiency and low cost. The present study comes in way to contribute in the optimisation
of the performance of Si an GaAs based (N/P) solar cells by the determination of physical and
technological parameters giving the best photovoltaic conversion efficiency and a good spectral
response. The four principal parameters that influence the operation of a solar cell are
emitter and base doping, junction depth and base thickness. We have also taken into account
the recent technique of elaboration of these structures. This study concerns the use of novel
optimised values of electronic properties of GaAs and Si materials such as recombination
velocity at surface (front and back). All enhancements recently reached: BSF, BSR layers,
ARC anti reflection layer with textured surface, surfaces passivation, improved ohmic contacts
are taken into account. I-V, P-V, EQE- characteristics obtained by PC1D similator on
two different cells (Si and GaAs) under the global spectra AM1.5 have allowed us to get
optimal cells. The comparison of the cells shows the advantage of given GaAs cells. The effect
of solar concentration (1-100 suns) on cell operation has been studied. The later has contributed
to the enhancement of the energetic efficiency. The effects different standard spetra such as
AM1, AM1, 5G, and AM1.5D have been studied. The optimal values of physical parameters
giving the best currents of short-circuit and voltages of open circuit as well as high conversion
efficiency have been obtained for these two solar materials.
Keywords: photovoltaic cells, Si, GaAs, high efficiency.
Paper received 17.10.03; accepted for publication 30.03.04.