Energy yield modelling of perovskite/silicon two-terminal tandem PV modules with flat and textured interfaces

Abstract

Perovskite/silicon tandem photovoltaics have emerged as a new technology for highly efficient and inexpensive photovoltaics (PV). In order to maximize the energy yield (EY) and reduce the cost of generated electricity, light management concepts are of key importance for this technology. This numerical study provides a systematic EY analysis, evaluating and predicting the improvement in the EY of perovskite/silicon (Si) two-terminal (2T) PV modules employing micron-scale random pyramids at the front and/or rear surface of the PV module. The 2T tandem PV module architectures comprise an optically thick encapsulant and a module front cover glass with an anti-reflection coating. The EY is studied at various locations in the USA with different climate zones. For a perovskite top solar cell with a bandgap of around 1.72 eV, the perovskite/Si 2T tandem PV modules with textured front and rear surfaces yield the highest relative enhancement in EY of around 26–28% compared to that of a state-of-the-art crystalline Si single-junction reference. The relative enhancement in the EY of planar and rear side textured perovskite/Si 2T tandem PV modules is lower (planar: 12–14% and rear side textured: 19–22%). Finally, the EY of the textured perovskite/Si tandem PV module is investigated with respect to the bandgap of the perovskite top solar cell. Overall, this study highlights the great promise of perovskite/Si 2T tandem PV modules under realistic irradiation conditions and emphasizes the importance of light management textures for maximizing the EY of this technology.