Proof-of-concept p-type silicon solar cells with molybdenum oxide partial rear contacts

This paper explores the application of transparent MoO_x (x<;3) films as hole-collecting contacts on the rear-side of crystalline silicon solar cells. 2D simulations, which consider experimental contact recombination J_0c and resistivity ρ_c values, demonstrate that the benefits of the MoO_x based contacts are best exploited by reducing the rear contact fraction. This concept is demonstrated experimentally using simple p-type cells featuring a ~5% rear fraction MoO_x contact. These cells attain a conversion efficiency of 20.4%, a promising result, given the early stage of development for this technology.