Solar Cells: From Fundamentals to Device Engineering

• Explain the physical working principles of photovoltaic conversion in solar cells
• Calculate the theoretical efficiency limit of a single p-n junction solar cell, usually referred to as Shockley-Queisser limit.
• Apply semiconductor physics to identify key device parameters (e.g., band gap, mobility, recombination, thickness) and use tools such as SOLEY to model, validate, and optimize solar cell performance.
• Describe thin-film fabrication methods and emerging materials.
• Evaluate how materials synthesis and processing influence material structure and resulting properties.
• Apply characterization techniques (e.g., J–V, EQE, IQE) to analyze and interpret solar cell performance.
• Evaluate advanced photovoltaic concepts, including tandem and multi-junction solar cells and their advantages.
• Analyze indoor photovoltaic applications by evaluating operating conditions, efficiency limitations, and practical use cases.

The course covers the fundamental principles of solar energy conversion, including the efficiency limits of single-junction solar cells (~33.7% under standard 1-sun illumination), and progresses to device engineering and practical applications. The course focuses in particular on thin-film solar cells, some of which are already commercialized (e.g., CdTe, CIGS), while others are at the forefront of emerging photovoltaic technologies (e.g., kesterites, chalcogenides, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC), halide perovskites).

The course includes lectures on the synthesis and processing techniques of thin-film solar cells. Students use simulation tools (e.g., SOLEY) to design, model, and optimize solar cells, evaluate device performance, and identify loss mechanisms, while also exploring emerging photovoltaic materials and fabrication techniques.

Through a combination of lectures and practical work, students gain hands-on experience with solar cell characterization methods, including current–voltage (J–V), external quantum efficiency (EQE), and internal quantum efficiency (IQE). Advanced photovoltaic concepts, including multi-junction solar cells such as tandem architectures, are also covered.

The course further highlights real-world applications, including indoor energy harvesting under low-light conditions and the use of photovoltaics to power sensors and electronic components in the Internet of Things (IoT).

This course builds on the previous course 34551 Thin-Film Photovoltaics.

10317, Knowledge within photonics, optics, nanotechnology or materials science is an advantage.

Lectures, theoretical exercises, laboratory

Teachers: Stela Canulescu, Evgeniia Gilshtein, Ganesh Ghimire

Minimum: 8.

Please be aware that this course will only be held if the required minimum number of participants is met. You will be informed 8 days before the start of the course, whether the course will be held.