Single junction, horizontally-stacked and vertically-stacked MSS cells

In this paper a detailed discussion of different options of silicon solar cell design meant to be used in conjunction with a tandem cell stack is presented. Conventional single junction (SJ), horizontally-stacked (HS) and vertically-stacked (VS) silicon solar cell approaches are discussed. The design considerations of each individual silicon solar cell approach (SJ, HS and VS) are detailed, and benefits and drawbacks of these cells are presented. Expected conversion efficiencies of SJ, HS and VS silicon solar cells under a condition - illuminated with a light spot of 1.9 mm diameter through 2 W/cm² intensity under the infrared light spectrum - are deduced for the purpose of selecting a suitable design for the tandem stack.