Solcore: A multi-scale, python-based library for modelling solar cells and semiconductor materials

Abstract

Computational models can provide significant insight into the operation mechanisms and deficiencies of photovoltaic solar cells. Solcore is a modular set of computational tools, written in Python 3, for the design and simulation of photovoltaic solar cells. Calculations can be performed on ideal, thermodynamic limiting behaviour, through to fitting experimentally accessible parameters such as dark and light IV curves and luminescence. Uniquely, it combines a complete semiconductor solver capable of modelling the optical and electrical properties of a wide range of solar cells, from quantum well devices to multi-junction solar cells. The model is a multi-scale simulation accounting for nanoscale phenomena such as the quantum confinement effects of semiconductor nanostructures, to micron level propagation of light through to the overall performance of solar arrays, including the modelling of the spectral irradiance based on atmospheric conditions. In this article we summarize the capabilities in addition to providing the physical insight and mathematical formulation behind the software with the purpose of serving as both a research and teaching tool.

arXiv comment25 pages, 18 figures, Journal of Computational Electronics (2018)

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• Multilayer optical calculations
• Solcore: A multi-scale, python-based library for modelling solar cells and semiconductor materials
• Measuring sheet resistance of CIGS solar cell's window layer by spatially resolved electroluminescence imaging
• Performance Analysis and Fault Diagnosis Method for Concentrator Photovoltaic Modules
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• Electronic and optical properties of Si${}_x$Ge${}_{1-x-y}$Sn${}_y$ alloys lattice-matched to Ge
• Embedding Physics Domain Knowledge into a Bayesian Network Enables Layer-by-Layer Process Innovation for Photovoltaics
• Routes for Light Management in Monolithic Perovskite/Silicon Tandem Solar Cells