Comparative analysis of photovoltaic principles governing dye-sensitized solar cells and p-n junctions

Juan Bisquert; Jorge Garcia-Canadas; Ivan Mora-Sero; Emilio Palomares

doi:10.1117/12.506907

6 February 2004 Comparative analysis of photovoltaic principles governing dye-sensitized solar cells and p-n junctions

Juan Bisquert, Jorge Garcia-Canadas, Ivan Mora-Sero, Emilio Palomares

Proceedings Volume 5215, Organic Photovoltaics IV; (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.506907
Event: Optical Science and Technology, SPIE's 48th Annual Meeting, 2003, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

We discuss a generalized model for a solar cell, and the realization with heterogeneous photochemical photovoltaic converters such as the dye-sensitized solar cell. The different steps involved in the conversion of photon energy to electrical energy, indicate that a key point to consider is maintaining the separation of Fermi levels in the selective contacts to the absorber. In order to understand the irreversible processes limiting the efficient operation of the solar cell, it is necessary to obtain a precise description of the internal distribution of Fermi levels. We suggest the equivalent circuit as a central tool for obtaining such description, in relation with small perturbation measurement techniques. The fundamental steps of excitation and charge separation, and the losses by transport and charge transfer, can be represented by suitable circuit elements, and the overall circuit configuration indicates the operation of the selective contacts. The comparison of the equivalent circuits for heterogeneous dye solar cells and solid-state p-n junctions, shows the significant difference in the mechanisms of the selective contacts of these solar cells.

Citation Download Citation

Juan Bisquert, Jorge Garcia-Canadas, Ivan Mora-Sero, and Emilio Palomares "Comparative analysis of photovoltaic principles governing dye-sensitized solar cells and p-n junctions", Proc. SPIE 5215, Organic Photovoltaics IV, (6 February 2004); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.506907

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