In wafer-based and thin-film photovoltaic (PV) devices, the management of light is a crucial aspect of optimization since trapping sunlight in active parts of PV devices is essential for efficient energy conversions. Optical modeling and simulation enable efficient analysis and optimization of the optical situation in optoelectronic and PV devices. Optical Modeling and Simulation of Thin-Film Photovoltaic Devices provides readers with a thorough guide to performing optical modeling and simulations of thin-film solar cells and PV modules. It offers insight on examples of existing optical models, demonstrates the applicability of optical modeling, and presents concrete directions and solutions for improving the devices. Along with giving practical hints, the book highlights significant research, development, and production in the field. It covers numerous approaches of one-, two-, and three-dimensional optical modeling, including one-dimensional semi-coherent modeling and two-dimensional modeling based on the finite element method (FEM). Many practical examples illustrate the use of simulations with the developed models, helping readers better understand and develop their own models as well as appreciate innovative concepts in light management in thin-film PV devices.

The book is devoted to the spatial characterization of solar cells and PV modules. It is written both as a monograph as well as a succinct guide for the state-of-the-art spatial characterization techniques and approaches. Amongst the approaches discussed are visual imaging, electro- and photo-luminescence imaging, thermography, and light beam induced mapping techniques. Emphasis is given on the luminescence image acquisition and interpretation due to its great potential. Characterization techniques are accompanied by simulation tools. The contents are aimed at a readership of students and senior researchers in R&D as well as engineers in industry who are newcomers to the spatial characterization of either solar cells or PV modules. The concepts and approaches presented herein are based on but not limited to case studies of real thin-film PV devices. Key features: Review of spatially resolved characterization techniques and accompanying SPICE simulations in photovoltaics Use of spatially resolved characterization techniques and their combinations for the identification of inhomogeneities in small area CdTe and dye-sensitized solar cells Case studies of electroluminescence imaging of commercial PV modules (c-Si, CIGS, CdTe, a-Si, tandem and triple junction thin-film-Si) The contents are aimed at a readership of students and senior researchers in R&D as well as engineers in industry who are newcomers to the spatial characterization of either solar cells or PV modules. The concepts and approaches presented herein are based on but not limited to case studies of real thin-film PV devices. Key features: Review of spatially resolved characterization techniques and accompanying SPICE simulations in photovoltaics Use of spatially resolved characterization techniques and their combinations for the identification of inhomogeneities in small area CdTe and dye-sensitized solar cells Case studies of electroluminescence imaging of commercial PV modules (c-Si, CIGS, CdTe, a-Si, tandem and triple junction thin-film-Si)

In wafer-based and thin-film photovoltaic (PV) devices, the management of light is a crucial aspect of optimization since trapping sunlight in active parts of PV devices is essential for efficient energy conversions. Optical modeling and simulation enable efficient analysis and optimization of the optical situation in optoelectronic and PV devices. Optical Modeling and Simulation of Thin-Film Photovoltaic Devices provides readers with a thorough guide to performing optical modeling and simulations of thin-film solar cells and PV modules. It offers insight on examples of existing optical models, demonstrates the applicability of optical modeling, and presents concrete directions and solutions for improving the devices. Along with giving practical hints, the book highlights significant research, development, and production in the field. It covers numerous approaches of one-, two-, and three-dimensional optical modeling, including one-dimensional semi-coherent modeling and two-dimensional modeling based on the finite element method (FEM). Many practical examples illustrate the use of simulations with the developed models, helping readers better understand and develop their own models as well as appreciate innovative concepts in light management in thin-film PV devices.