Multi-Scale Simulation of Reverse-Bias Breakdown in All-Perovskite Tandem Photovoltaic Modules under Partial Shading Conditions

Abstract

Herein, a multi-scale simulation approach to quantify the impact of nonuniformities in cell-level performance on the photovoltaic characteristics of monolithically interconnected large-area all-perovskite tandem modules under partial shading conditions is presented, addressing a crucial aspect of the up-scaling challenge for this promising photovoltaic technology. To this end, current–voltage characteristics of small-area all-perovskite tandem solar cells are obtained for dark and illuminated cases from a calibrated optoelectronic device model using drift–diffusion simulation coupled to a quantum transport formalism for the band-to-band tunneling underlying the Zener breakdown. These current–voltage curves are computed for varying density of mobile ions and subsequently used as local 1D coupling laws connecting the 2D electrodes in a quasi-3D large-area finite-element simulation approach that then provides the module characteristics under consideration of spatial variation in active area quality related to mobile ion density. The simulation reveals the appearance of localized current hot spots for the case where the shaded cell is strongly reverse biased.