Optimization of multilayer antireflection coatings for improving performance of silicon solar cells

Abstract

In this study, a comprehensive idea of designing multilayer antireflection coating (ARC) on the solar cell and minimization of the overall reflectance are provided. A theoretical model for the optimization of multilayer antireflection coating for solar cell has been presented on the basis of optical interference transfer-matrix theory. Also, PCID simulation has been carried out to understand the performance of silicon solar cell of antireflection coating. Reflectance calculation for various single, double and three ARCs on silicon substrate are presented. Optical reflection values were deduced with this transfer-matrix formulation via a personal computer using MATLAB program. The reflection loss has been calculated lower than 34.66%, 8.47%, and 5.71% using single, double, and three layers respectively with high refractive index materials. External quantum efficiencies (EQEs) of 65.34% and 81.81% were obtained for the single and double layers ARCs on silicon substrate. It was also observed that the thickness of the antireflection coating should be less about 200 nm. Therefore, it is suggested that the antireflection layers proposed in this study effective to improve the efficiency of solar cell.