Demonstration of GaInP2/Si Voltage Matched Tandem Solar Cells

Mechanically-stacked tandem solar cells combining existing photovoltaic technologies present a straightforward path toward higher conversion efficiencies. Voltage-matched configurations have been proposed as a simplified approach for fabricating two terminal modules, but they are subject to performance losses compared to four terminal configurations if voltage-matching conditions are not met. Here, we demonstrate a two terminal voltage-matched GaInP ₂ /Si tandem with 23% efficiency. Through a combination of experimental measurement and simulation, we explore the impact of voltage and fill factor mismatches between the top and bottom sub-cell strings. Our results show that efficiency losses are minimized when voltage-mismatches are accommodated by designing the bottom strings to have a higher voltage. Fill factor mismatches due to differences in series resistance also lead to changes in the optimal ratio of the number of cells in the top and bottom sub-cell strings.