Simulation of the role of defects on the photovoltaic performance of kesterite solar cells

Abstract

Owing to the reduced toxicity and greater abundance of their constituent elements, Kesterite-based solar cells are attracting considerable attention in recent years. The one-dimensional solar cell capacitance simulator SCAPS-1D has been used for the simulation of single junction solar cells using Cu₂ZnSnSe₄ as the absorber layer material. Research has been done on the photovoltaic performance in relation to charge variations and defect density. It has been determined that in order to achieve increased solar efficiency, the light absorbing layer defects must be decreased to a likely lesser concentration. It has also been discovered that the charge of the defects plays a major influence in determining how well the solar cells work.