Optimization tool for multijunction photovoltaic systems

The choice of individual bandgaps is important for achieving the maximum efficiency of a multijunction photovoltaic system. The optimization tool described in this paper uses a multijunction photovoltaic (PV) model and determines the bandgap energies that yield the highest possible system power efficiency for a given number of PV junctions. The tool has the ability to simulate PV systems with combinations of junctions that are optically split or in series, as well as electrically independent or in series. The peak efficiency, as well as other important parameters is examined for several example multijunction PV systems.