Beyond 3rd generation solar cells and the full spectrum project. Recent advances and new emerging solar cells

AKINOĞLU B. G., Tuncel B., Badescu V.

SUSTAINABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AND ASSESSMENTS, vol.46, 2021 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 46
  • Publication Date: 2021
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.seta.2021.101287
  • Journal Name: SUSTAINABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AND ASSESSMENTS
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Compendex, Geobase, INSPEC
  • Keywords: Photovoltaic Solar Cells, Emerging PV, Third Generation Solar Cells, Classification of Solar Cells, Next Generation Solar Cells, MULTIPLE EXCITON GENERATION, STATISTICAL THERMODYNAMIC FOUNDATION, OF-THE-ART, QUANTUM DOTS, CONVERSION EFFICIENCY, PHOTOTHERMAL CONVERSION, CARRIER MULTIPLICATION, SI HETEROJUNCTION, DOWN-CONVERSION, RECENT PROGRESS
  • Ankara University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Solar cells have over 50-years of development history; many different devices and technologies are studied over this time span, and interestingly it is still a hot research topic. Although the physical mechanisms involved in photovoltaic processes are rather fundamental, the characterization and classification of the research pathways seem complicated and can even lead to misleading argumentation. Various photovoltaic devices are classified as first, second- and third- generation based on the developments for the last 25 years to highlight the development history of diverse photovoltaic technologies. This classification may not be appropriate if the recent developments are considered. Wafer based solar cells are regarded as the first-generation and the thin-film solar cells as the second-generation. In the third-generation solar cells, there are many different applications that might be confusing if a firm classification would not be outlined.