A theoretical comparison of the near-optimum design and predicted performance of n/p and p/n indium phosphide homojunction solar cells

Using a detailed simulation model of p(+)nn(+) and n(+)pp(+) indium phosphide (InP) homojunction solar cells, extensive parametric variation computer simulation runs were performed to aid in making near-optimum designs for these two solar cell configurations. The values of all the geometrical and material parameters corresponding to the near-optimal designs of both these configurations are presented. The results of parametric variation runs are presented for each configuration showing how the performance parameters J(sub sc), V(sub oc), and eta vary with each of the cell design parameters for the near-optimally designed cell. Finally, the theoretically obtained results are discussed, and the relative merits and drawbacks of the two configurations are compared.