Analytical model for the design principle of large-area solar cells

A method for the analysis of large-area solar cells was established using an equivalent circuit model. A polygonal line approximation simplifies the model and the characteristics for large-area solar cells were formulated. The method determines the length limit of solar cells, which is dependent mainly on the sheet resistance of the transparent electrode and the open circuit voltage and slightly on the parasitic resistances such as series resistance and shunt resistance. Here we established a simple and quantitative design principle for large-area solar cells based on the model. This model can be applied to both organic and inorganic solar cells but is particularly useful for organic solar cells, whose characteristics are influenced by parasitic resistances.