6533b7d1fe1ef96bd125c159

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Comparison of the sensitivity to spectral variation of voltage- and current-matched tandem devices with luminescent coupling and thickness optimization

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Using models that do not take luminescent coupling into account, voltage-matched tandem devices have previously been shown to be less sensitive to spectral variation than their current-matched counterparts. The present paper compares the spectral sensitivity of voltage-matched and current-matched tandem devices by applying a detailed balance model that takes luminescent coupling into account. Current-matched stacks where the thickness of the top cell thickness has been optimized are also considered. The main finding is that luminescent coupling reduces the difference in spectral sensitivity between voltage-matched and current-matched devices. There is still a significant difference, however. It is also found that current-matched devices with a top cell thickness-optimized for the AM1.5 spectrum are more sensitive to variations in the incoming spectrum than comparable cells with a fully absorbing top cell.