Design of 2- and 3-terminal GaInP/GaAs concentrator cells for maximum yearly energy output

Two important factors in achieving maximum power output in a multi-junction concentrator solar cell are selecting optimal sub-cell band gaps and absorber layer thicknesses. This optimization is spectrum-dependent and does not guarantee maximum yearly energy delivery, as the distribution of spectral energy varies throughout the day and year. A simple, detailed-balance model may be used in this optimization, though detailed numerical models are ideal as the specifics of the cell structure can be incorporated. In this paper, a particular GaInP/GaAs tandem structure is optimized using ADEPT to show that maximum yearly energy delivery is achieved by optimizing under a mid-November spectrum.