Title :
Development of high efficiency thin silicon space solar cells
Author :
Washio, H. ; Katsu, T. ; Tonomura, Y. ; Hisamatsu, T. ; Saga, T. ; Matsutani, T. ; Suzuki, A. ; Yamamoto, Y. ; Matsuda, S.
Author_Institution :
Sharp Corp., Nara, Japan
Abstract :
The improvement of the efficiencies of thin silicon solar cells for space use was studied. The representative 3 types of nonreflective surface structures were evaluated and their characteristics were clarified. Solar cells with these structures showed excellent electrical performance and the best result of 18.0% efficiency for 100 μm thick cells was attained. Cells made from 2 Ω cm substrates showed higher electrical performance and radiation hardness than those from 10 Ω cm substrates. The electron irradiation tests showed that the current degradation of the cells with lower resistivity substrates were reduced and the improved solar cells can be used for future satellites
Keywords :
aerospace testing; antireflection coatings; elemental semiconductors; photovoltaic power systems; radiation hardening (electronics); semiconductor device testing; silicon; solar cells; space vehicle power plants; 100 mum; 18 percent; Si; characteristics; current degradation; electrical performance; electron irradiation tests; nonreflective surface; radiation hardness; satellites; semiconductor; space solar cells; substrates; Cities and towns; Coatings; Conductivity; Electrons; Passivation; Photovoltaic cells; Satellites; Silicon; Space technology; Surface structures;
Conference_Titel :
Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, 1993., Conference Record of the Twenty Third IEEE
Conference_Location :
Louisville, KY
Print_ISBN :
0-7803-1220-1
DOI :
10.1109/PVSC.1993.346922
