Optical Modeling and Simulation of Thin-Film Photovoltaic Devices

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.

Author Biography

Janez Krč, PhD, is an associate professor in the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and a member of the Laboratory of Photovoltaics and Optoelectronics at the University of Ljubljana in Slovenia. He received his PhD in electrical engineering from the University of Ljubljana. His research and teaching activities cover photovoltaics, optoelectronics, and analog electronic circuits, including optical modeling and light management in thin-film solar cells.

Marko Topič, PhD, is a professor in the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and head of the Laboratory of Photovoltaics and Optoelectronics at the University of Ljubljana. He is also an affiliate professor in the College of Natural Sciences at Colorado State University. Dr. Topič is the chair of the Slovenian Photovoltaic Technology Platform, a steering committee member of the European Photovoltaic Technology Platform, and a member of the Advisory Group on Energy in the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Commission. He received his PhD in electrical engineering from the University of Ljubljana. In 2008, he received Zoisova nagrada, the highest award in the Republic of Slovenia for scientific and research achievements. His research interests include photovoltaics, thin-film semiconductor materials, electron devices, optoelectronics, electronic circuits, and reliability engineering.