Simulation-based Comparative Analysis of Solar Cells with and without TiO2 Layer for Performance Evaluation

Abstract

SCAPS is a specialized computer program simulating one-dimensional solar cells with multiple layers of different materials. It employs advanced numerical techniques to solve equations governing the behaviour of photons, electrons, & holes within the solar cell structure. By simulating the interaction between light & the various layers of the cell, as well as the transport of electrical charges, SCAPS provides valuable insights into the cell's performance under different conditions. These conditions include material properties, device geometry, and external parameters. The program is beneficial for optimizing solar cell design and implementation in diverse applications, such as energy generation. For instance, incorporating a titanium dioxide (TiO₂) layer can improve charge transport, reduce recombination losses & enhance key performance metrics like fill factor, energy conversion efficiency, electrical conductivity, and potential difference. SCAPS enables researchers and engineers to predict & evaluate these improvements by integrating the properties of different materials into the simulation. Adding a TiO₂ layer to a CIGS solar cell improves key metrics: fill factor (85.12%), efficiency (37.14%), current density (56.39 mA/cm²), & open-circuit voltage (0.7738 V).