Multi-physics device simulations of optimized semi-transparent perovskite solar cells: Influence of material types and layer thicknesses on transmittance and electrical performance

Abstract

The utilization of perovskite and electrode materials enables the production of semitransparent solar cells that allow partial transmission of light, making them suitable for integration into windows and other transparent surfaces. However, achieving optimal performance is challenging due to the trade-off between transparency and power conversion efficiency (PCE). This study emphasizes the crucial role played by material selection, active layer thickness, and transparent electrode configuration in determining this trade-off in semitransparent perovskite solar cells (ST-PSCs). Through multi-physics device simulations, we optimize the thickness and compare the performance of two active layer materials − MAPbI₃ and CsPbI₃ − resulting in increased average visible transmission (AVT) as well as PCE. Notably, MAPbI₃ outperforms CsPbI₃ as an absorber material in ST-PSCs. CsPbI₃ achieves an optimal light utilization efficiency (LUE) of 4.06 % at a thickness of 300 nm, while MAPbI₃ reaches 4.15 % at a thickness of 100 nm, which shows better performance. Furthermore, our findings demonstrate that the MoO₃/Ag/WO₃ configuration enhances both PCE and AVT compared to alternative configurations due to MoO₃′s mitigated parasitic behavior. These results provide valuable insights for advancing solar cell technologies applicable to practical uses such as window integration or other transparent surfaces.