Kelsey Horowitz

A bottom-up cost analysis of a high concentration PV module

We present a bottom-up model of III-V multi-junction cells, as well as a high concentration PV (HCPV) module. We calculate

Cost and potential of monolithic CIGS photovoltaic modules

0.59/W(DC) manufacturing costs for our model HCPV module design with today’s capabilities, and find that reducing cell costs and increasing module efficiency offer the most promising paths for future cost reductions. Cell costs could be significantly reduced via substrate reuse and improved manufacturing yields.

Pathway to 50% efficient inverted metamorphic concentrator solar cells

A bottom-up cost analysis of monolithic, glass-glass Cu(In,Ga)(Se,S)2 (CIGS) modules is presented, illuminating current cost drivers for this technology and possible pathways to reduced cost. At 14% module efficiency, for the case of U.S. manufacturing, a manufacturing cost of

Indium zinc oxide mediated wafer bonding for III–V/Si tandem solar cells

0.56/WDC and a minimum sustainable price of

Regional Manufacturing Cost Structures and Supply Chain Considerations for SiC Power Electronics in Medium Voltage Motor Drives

0.72/WDC were calculated. Potential for reduction in manufacturing costs to below

An Analysis of Techno-Economic Requirements for MOSAIC CPV Systems to Achieve Cost Competitiveness

0.40/WDC in the long-term may be possible if module efficiency can be increased without significant increase in

Selective area growth of GaAs on Si patterned using nanoimprint lithography

/m2 costs. The levelized cost of energy (LCOE) in Phoenix, AZ under different conditions is assessed and compared to standard c-Si.

Technology advances needed for photovoltaics to achieve widespread grid price parity

Series-connected five (5J) and six junction (6J) concentrator solar cell strategies have the realistic potential to exceed 50% efficiency to enable low-cost CPV systems. We propose three strategies for developing a practical 6J device. We have overcome many of the challenges required to build such concentrator solar cell devices: We have developed 2.1 eV AlGaInP, 1.7 eV AlGaAs, and 1.7 eV GaInAsP junctions with external radiative efficiency greater than 0.1%. We have developed a transparent tunnel junction that absorbs minimal light intended for the second junction yet resists degradation under thermal load. We have developed metamorphic grades from the GaAs to the InP lattice constant that are transparent to sub-GaAs bandgap light. We have grown and compared low bandgap junctions (0.7eV – 1.2 eV) using metamorphic GaInAs, metamorphic GaInAsP, and GaInAsP lattice-matched to InP. And finally, we have demonstrated excellent performance in a high voltage, low current 4 junction inverted metamorphic device us...

Raising the one-sun conversion efficiency of III–V/Si solar cells to 32.8% for two junctions and 35.9% for three junctions

Silicon-based tandem solar cells are desirable as a high efficiency, economically viable approach to one sun or low concentration photovoltaics. We present an approach to wafer bonded III-V/Si solar cells using amorphous indium zinc oxide (IZO) as an interlayer. We investigate the impact of a heavily doped III-V contact layer on the electrical and optical properties of bonded test samples, including the predicted impact on tandem cell performance. We present economic modeling which indicates that the path to commercial viability for bonded cells includes developing low-cost III-V growth and reducing constraints on material smoothness. If these challenges can be surmounted, bonded tandems on Si can be cost-competitive with incumbent PV technologies, especially in low concentration, single axis tracking systems.

Techno-economic analysis of three different substrate removal and reuse strategies for III-V solar cells: Techno-economic analysis for III-V solar cells

With the growth in wide bandgap (WBG) semiconductors, specifically Silicon Carbide (SiC), the technology has matured enough to highlight a need to understand the drivers of manufacturing cost, regional manufacturing costs, and plant location decisions. Further, ongoing research and investment, necessitates analytical analysis to help inform development of wide bandgap technologies. The paper explores the anticipated device, module, and motor drive cost at volume manufacturing. It additional outlines the current regional contributors to the supply chain and proposes how the base models can be used to evaluate the cost reduction potential of proposed research advances.