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Efficiency enhancement of CdTe solar cells using Cu2MnSnS4 back contact layer: - Experimental and numerical analysis

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  • V, Vishnu Narayanan
  • Rajni, K.S.
  • Jena, Ipsita
  • Singh, Udai P.

Abstract

The present study investigates the quaternary chalcogenide material Cu2MnSnS4 (CMTS) as a back contact layer for cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar cells. Conventional CdTe photovoltaic cells are fabricated with a Copper (Cu)- based back contact to enhance the open-circuit voltage and reduce recombination losses. In this work, the CMTS back contact layer is prepared by the spin coating technique, with a thickness varying from 74 to 131 nm. The structural, compositional, chemical, morphological, optical, electrical, and electronic properties of the thin films prepared are analyzed. The FTO/CdS/CdTe/CMTS/Ag cell simulation using the SCAPS-1D software indicates that, under ideal conditions the CMTS back contact can improve the values of open circuit voltage (Voc), short circuit current density (Jsc), fill factor (FF), and power conversion efficiency (PCE) up to 1.092V, 28.459 mA/cm2, 66.22 % and 20.576 %,. When defects and recombination are introduced into the simulation, the Voc (0.761 V), Jsc (26.53 mA/cm2), FF (51.35 %), and PCE (10.31 %) values are reduced, similar to those of the fabricated cells with a CMTS back contact (Voc (0.812 V), Jsc (22.051 mA/cm2), FF (60.94 %), and PCE (10.91 %)). These results found to be greater than the results obtained for the fabricated reference cell without the CMTS back contact layer.

Suggested Citation

  • V, Vishnu Narayanan & Rajni, K.S. & Jena, Ipsita & Singh, Udai P., 2026. "Efficiency enhancement of CdTe solar cells using Cu2MnSnS4 back contact layer: - Experimental and numerical analysis," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 260(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:260:y:2026:i:c:s096014812600008x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2026.125183
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Muñoz-García, Miguel-Ángel & Moreda, Guillermo P. & Nieto-Morone, M.B. & Alonso-García, M.C., 2025. "A real case of thin film PV alternatives to cSi based on a-Si and CdTe. Results after eleven years operating at same conditions," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 240(C).
    2. Dhankhar, Meena & Pal Singh, Om & Singh, V.N., 2014. "Physical principles of losses in thin film solar cells and efficiency enhancement methods," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 40(C), pages 214-223.
    3. Feng, Ye & Wang, Taowen & Yu, Mingzhe & Huang, Jian & Li, Wei & Hao, Xia & Zhang, Jingquan & Wu, Lili, 2020. "Coevaporated Cd1-xMgxTe thin films for CdTe solar cells," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 145(C), pages 13-20.
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