An intermediate band solar cell (IBSC) whose equivalent circuit is similar to a multijunction (MJ) solar cell but with an additional parallel diode connection is shown to be more robust to spectral variation than a series-connected MJ solar cell. We have calculated the limiting efficiencies of IBSC and MJ solar cells using the measured solar spectra in Japan. Even though the maximum efficiency of an IBSC is lower than a triple junction (3J) solar cell at airmass (AM)1.5, the IBSC would generate more annual electricity by 1% than 3J cell at 1 sun, if they had been optimized at AM1.5.
Issue Section:
Technical Brief
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