In 2017, the majority of the PV modules installed are based on p-type silicon solar cells that feature a full-area aluminum rear contact and back surface field (BSF). Because of their fully covered, opaque rear side, these cells are unable to convert the light that falls on the rear side of the solar cells into electricity. On the other hand, solar cells with a rear side that is only partially covered with metallization (the so-called bifacial solar cells) are able to simultaneously and efficiently convert light that illuminates the solar cell from the front side as well as from the rear side. In this chapter, a short review of the history, physics, characterization, as well as a description of the five most common cell architectures of n- and p-type bifacial solar cells is given.
Bifacial cells, Page 1 of 2
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