Evaluation of the Limiting Efficiencies of Photovoltaic Converters under Monochromatic Illumination

This paper deals with the evaluation of the limiting efficiencies of photovoltaic converters under monochromatic illumination. The maximum achievable efficiency of the converters under ideal conditions of operation is calculated, obtaining their open circuit voltage (V_oc) and photocurrent (J_L) too. Special attention is paid to the wavelengths commonly used in Power-by-light (PBL) systems, those over 600 nm, particularly to those corresponding to Gallium Arsenide, Silicon, and Gallium Antimonide converters. The Detailed Balance Theory has been used for this purpose, adapting their assumptions and equations to the particularities of monochromatic illumination.