Analysis on the surface uniformity and edge recombination of single-crystalline silicon solar cells on electrical parameters

A model using Ansys software was established to simulate electrical parameters of solar cell when incident sunlight radiated on its surface. In the model, solar cell electrical parameters were experimentally characterized as the solar cell was exposed through hollow out mask. The experimental and numerical photovoltaic performances were completely matched. The results showed that the central field of solar cell had higher efficiency than the edge field of which on the same area exposed to sunlight. The results also showed that surface uniformity and edge recombination were two important loss mechanisms, which decreased solar cell efficiency.