For example, after making the device we can calculate the PCE (power conversion efficiency) of the solar cell, similarly is it possible for measuring the efficiency/ performance of only the light-absorbing material/layer if so what do we use to quantify the performance?
Dear Bharadwaj Jayam
Generally, The temperature influences the efficiency of the photovoltaic cell due to the intrinsic characteristic of the semiconductor material. The efficiency of the solar panels increases when the temperature drops and decreases in high temperatures, as the voltage between the cells drops.
Kind Regards
Qamar Ul Islam
yes that's can theoretically, you can see many papers in my google scholar
Dear Bharadwaj Jayam ,
For the material to work as an efficient absorber it must have a high absorption coefficient of solar radiation in a wide range of its wavelengths. Also its bandgap must be near the optimum one of 1.35 eV.
So, to assess the suitability of a semiconductor as a solar cell absorber material one needs only its absorption versus wavelength curve.
This is one of its optical property. It must have also small reflectance ideally zero.
For more information please refer to the book chapter:
Chapter Solar cells and arrays: Principles, analysis and design
Best wishes
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