Defect analysis of crystalline Si solar cells by learning radiation-induced defects in Si

This paper presents analytical results for improving crystalline Si solar cells, analyzed using our knowledge in radiation-induced defects in Si. This study suggests that key issues for realizing higher performance Si solar cells are decrease in carbon concentration of less than 1 × 1014 cm−3. Defect introduction rates of Bi–O2i center induced by light illumination are compared with those of Bi–Oi center induced by 1-MeV electron irradiations in this study. Surface recombination velocity degradation of Si solar cells due to 1-MeV electron irradiations is compared with surface degradation of Si solar cells under light illumination by considering Pb center generation.