Funding Opportunity: SuNLaMP
SunShot Subprogram: Photovoltaics
Location: National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO
Amount Awarded: $999,999

Tandem cell architectures present a path toward higher module efficiencies over single junction designs. This project will develop a gallium indium phosphide (GaInP) on silicon mechanically stacked voltage-matched tandem, aiming at low cost and high efficiency. The project will result in one of the first published demonstrations of voltage-matched modules, an assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of the new architecture, and its promise for photovoltaic (PV) module design.

APPROACH

The project will develop models, module architecture, and material growth to demonstrate a voltage-matched two-terminal mini-module with an area of ≥16 cm2 consisting of a set of mechanically stacked GaInP­ sub-cells.

INNOVATION

The project will result in one of the first published demonstrations of mechanically-stacked voltage-matched modules, an assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of the new architecture, and its promise for PV module design.