Perovskite Tandem Solar Module Layout for Lower Interface Loss

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Solution Overview

Problem

Silicon solar cells have limited efficiency in converting wavelengths of light below 1100 nm, and tandem solar cells face manufacturing challenges and optical losses at interfaces, leading to reduced efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A tandem silicon-perovskite solar module with a perovskite solar cell having a higher bandgap than the silicon cell, deposited on the bottom surface of a glass sheet, allowing efficient conversion of a wider spectrum of light, and manufacturing methods using controlled precursor application and inline deposition processes to reduce defects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a tandem solar cell structure is used to expand the light absorption spectrum, then the light conversion efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and interface optical losses increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight conversion efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The solar cell is divided into two separate photovoltaic cells with different bandgaps (top cell with higher bandgap for short wavelengths, bottom cell with lower bandgap for long wavelengths), allowing each segment to independently optimize for specific wavelength ranges while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through separate processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An optical interface layer or reflective structure is introduced between the top and bottom cells to manage optical losses, acting as an intermediary that redirects or reflects unabsorbed light from the top cell to the bottom cell, thereby reducing interface optical losses without complicating the manufacturing process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Use of energy by moving object

If a tandem solar cell structure is used to expand the light absorption spectrum, then the light conversion efficiency is improved, but optical losses at the interface between cells increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight conversion efficiencyVSAvoidinterface optical losses

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The interface between cells, which normally causes optical losses, is transformed into a beneficial element by introducing reflective or redirecting structures that convert the interface from a source of loss into a light-management feature that enhances overall absorption by directing unabsorbed light to the bottom cell

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Use of energy by moving object

If perovskite solar cell is deposited on top of silicon solar cell, then the full spectrum efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing process requires significant re-tooling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefull spectrum efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing process ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of depositing perovskite on top of silicon (the conventional approach that requires re-tooling), the patent inverts the sequence by first manufacturing the silicon solar cell using existing processes, then depositing the perovskite layer on the completed silicon cell, allowing manufacturers to leverage existing silicon manufacturing infrastructure without significant re-tooling investments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

The tandem module achieves higher full spectrum efficiency, improved performance, and reduced costs by enabling efficient conversion of shorter and longer wavelengths, with minimal re-tooling required for conventional silicon solar panels.

Implementation Method 1

The perovskite layer can absorb light to generate 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)

Implementation Method 2

Solar cells are electrical devices that convert light into electricity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 3

The perovskite solar cell may have a higher bandgap than the silicon solar cell. For example, the perovskite solar cell may have a bandgap of about 1.7 electron volts (''eV'') and the silicon solar cell may have a bandgap of about 1.1 eV

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBandgap energy conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 4

The silicon solar cell may be capable of converting light with a wavelength greater than about 300 nanometers (''nm'') and less than about 1100 nm to electricity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBandgap energy conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20250367762A1Methods of making semiconductor perovskite layers and compositions thereof

Publication Date: 2025.12.04 CAELUX CORP

AI summary

The present disclosure may provide semiconductor perovskite layers and method of making thereof. In some cases, the perovskite layer may comprise a composition of MAn1FAn2Csn3PbX3. MA may be methylammonium, FA may be formamidinium, n1, n2, and n3 may independently be greater than 0 and less than 1, and n1+n2+n3 may equal 1.