Perovskite-Silicon Tandem Solar Module with IZTO Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional silicon solar cells face efficiency losses due to decreased conversion efficiency at shorter wavelengths and inability to convert light with wavelengths above 1100 nm, as well as manufacturing difficulties with tandem solar cells.

Innovation Solution

The development of tandem silicon-perovskite solar modules, where a bottom silicon solar cell is paired with a top perovskite solar cell having a higher bandgap, allowing for efficient conversion of a wider spectrum of light and simplified integration into conventional silicon solar panels by depositing the perovskite solar cell on the bottom surface of the top glass sheet.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a silicon solar cell is used, then it can convert longer wavelengths of light to electricity, but its conversion efficiency decreases as wavelength decreases from 1100 nm

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight conversion efficiencyVSAvoidwavelength range coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The solar spectrum is segmented into two distinct bands handled by different materials: the perovskite top cell captures high-energy short wavelengths (300-700 nm) while the silicon bottom cell captures lower-energy long wavelengths (700-1100 nm). This segmentation allows each material to operate in its optimal efficiency range without the efficiency decay that plagues single-cell systems across the full spectrum.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs a composite solar cell structure combining perovskite and silicon materials with complementary bandgaps. The perovskite layer (bandgap ~1.7 eV) and silicon layer (bandgap ~1.1 eV) work together as a composite system that converts the entire visible and near-infrared spectrum, achieving full spectrum efficiency greater than 30%.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Use of energy by moving object

If a tandem solar cell with perovskite top cell and silicon bottom cell is constructed, then broader spectrum conversion is achieved, but manufacturing difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefull spectrum efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The perovskite solar cell is pre-fabricated as a complete functional unit on the front side of the glass sheet before the silicon solar cell is assembled behind it. This preliminary preparation of the top cell with its transparent conducting oxide layers, hole transport layer, perovskite layer, electron transport layer, and back contact allows for simplified integration with the bottom silicon cell, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The transparent conducting oxide layers in the perovskite cell serve dual functions: they act as electrical contacts for the perovskite cell itself while simultaneously serving as protective and optical interface layers for the underlying silicon cell. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of separate components needed in the tandem structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of energy

If optical losses and recombination losses occur at interfaces, then cell efficiency decreases, but preventing these losses requires complex interface engineering

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical and recombination lossesVSAvoidinterface structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interface between the perovskite and silicon cells is engineered with localized quality improvements: a transparent conducting oxide layer is positioned at the interface to provide optimal optical and electrical properties specifically where needed. This local modification reduces optical losses and recombination at the critical interface without requiring complex modifications throughout the entire device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration enhances the overall efficiency of solar modules by converting a broader range of light wavelengths, reduces manufacturing complexity, and decreases costs while improving performance per weight of the module.

Implementation Method 1

Solar cells are electrical devices that convert light into electricity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

Silicon solar cells convert light, e.g., with a wavelength greater than about 300 nanometers to electricity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 3

The perovskite layer absorbs light to generates charge carriers, which results in a voltage and current flow across the terminals of the perovskite solar cell

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS20250176418A1Perovskite solar module with indium zinc-tin oxide layer and methods for making the same

Publication Date: 2025.05.29 CAELUX CORP

AI summary

Perovskite solar modules with one or more indium zinc-tin oxide layers and methods for making the same are disclosed.