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A review on the role of materials science in solar cells

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  • Asim, Nilofar
  • Sopian, Kamaruzzaman
  • Ahmadi, Shideh
  • Saeedfar, Kasra
  • Alghoul, M.A.
  • Saadatian, Omidreza
  • Zaidi, Saleem H.

Abstract

The demand for energy of modern society is constantly increasing. The desire for environmental-friendly alternative energy resources with the least dependency on fossil fuels is growing. Solar energy is an important technology for many reasons and is worthy of urgent attention. Indeed, it has experienced rapid growth over the last few years. It is expected to become truly main stream when the breakeven of high performance is achieved and its cost becomes comparable with other energy sources. Various approaches have been proposed to enhance the efficiency of solar cells. This paper reviews some current initiatives and critical issues on the efficiency improvement of solar cells from the material sciences and chemistry perspectives.

Suggested Citation

  • Asim, Nilofar & Sopian, Kamaruzzaman & Ahmadi, Shideh & Saeedfar, Kasra & Alghoul, M.A. & Saadatian, Omidreza & Zaidi, Saleem H., 2012. "A review on the role of materials science in solar cells," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 16(8), pages 5834-5847.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:16:y:2012:i:8:p:5834-5847
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2012.06.004
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    3. Ali, N. & Hussain, A. & Ahmed, R. & Wang, M.K. & Zhao, C. & Haq, B. Ul & Fu, Y.Q., 2016. "Advances in nanostructured thin film materials for solar cell applications," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 59(C), pages 726-737.
    4. El-Bashir, S.M. & Barakat, F.M. & AlSalhi, M.S., 2014. "Double layered plasmonic thin-film luminescent solar concentrators based on polycarbonate supports," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 63(C), pages 642-649.
    5. Mat Desa, M.K. & Sapeai, S. & Azhari, A.W. & Sopian, K. & Sulaiman, M.Y. & Amin, N. & Zaidi, S.H., 2016. "Silicon back contact solar cell configuration: A pathway towards higher efficiency," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 60(C), pages 1516-1532.
    6. Chee, A. Kuan-Way, 2023. "On current technology for light absorber materials used in highly efficient industrial solar cells," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 173(C).
    7. Hernández-Moro, J. & Martínez-Duart, J.M., 2013. "Analytical model for solar PV and CSP electricity costs: Present LCOE values and their future evolution," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 20(C), pages 119-132.
    8. García-Segura, A. & Fernández-García, A. & Ariza, M.J. & Sutter, F. & Valenzuela, L., 2016. "Durability studies of solar reflectors: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 62(C), pages 453-467.
    9. Bendib, Boualem & Belmili, Hocine & Krim, Fateh, 2015. "A survey of the most used MPPT methods: Conventional and advanced algorithms applied for photovoltaic systems," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 45(C), pages 637-648.
    10. Jiang, Lian Lian & Maskell, Douglas L. & Patra, Jagdish C., 2013. "Parameter estimation of solar cells and modules using an improved adaptive differential evolution algorithm," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 112(C), pages 185-193.
    11. Aránzazu Fernández-García & Adel Juaidi & Florian Sutter & Lucía Martínez-Arcos & Francisco Manzano-Agugliaro, 2018. "Solar Reflector Materials Degradation Due to the Sand Deposited on the Backside Protective Paints," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(4), pages 1-20, March.
    12. Eke, R. & Betts, T.R. & Gottschalg, R.,, 2017. "Spectral irradiance effects on the outdoor performance of photovoltaic modules," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 69(C), pages 429-434.
    13. Lizin, Sebastien & Leroy, Julie & Delvenne, Catherine & Dijk, Marc & De Schepper, Ellen & Van Passel, Steven, 2013. "A patent landscape analysis for organic photovoltaic solar cells: Identifying the technology's development phase," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 57(C), pages 5-11.

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