Microstructure analysis and properties of spherical silicon solar cells with anti-reflection thin films

Structure and properties of spherical silicon solar cells with anti‐reflection thin films were investigated and discussed. Conversion efficiencies of spherical Si solar cells coated with F‐doped SnO2 anti‐reflection films were improved by annealing. Optical absorption and fluorescence of the solar cells increased after annealing. Lattice constants of F‐doped SnO2 anti‐reflection layers, which were investigated by X‐ray diffraction, decreased after annealing. Mechanisms of atomic diffusion in SnO2 and reactions at the Si/metal interface were discussed. The present work indicated a guideline for spherical silicon solar cells with higher efficiencies. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)