Research Article
Optimization of Performance in Thin-Film CIGS Solar Cells: Silvaco Simulation of Doping and Absorber Layer Thickness
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 4, August 2025
Pages:
96-106
Received:
10 August 2025
Accepted:
19 August 2025
Published:
8 September 2025
Abstract: This study investigates the effects of doping concentration and absorber layer thickness on the performance of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) thin-film solar cells using detailed numerical simulations. The work focuses on identifying optimal design parameters to maximize power conversion efficiency by analyzing their influence on key device characteristics, including short-circuit current density, open-circuit voltage, and fill factor. The results indicate that the doping concentration critically impacts carrier transport and recombination dynamics. An optimal doping level of 6×1016 cm-3 enhances charge carrier collection, leading to simultaneous improvements in short-circuit current density, open-circuit voltage, and fill factor. Doping beyond this value increases series and shunt resistances, which reduces the efficiency gains, emphasizing the importance of precise doping control. The absorber layer thickness also plays a significant role in device performance. Increasing the thickness from 0.1 µm to 1 µm substantially improves photon absorption and carrier generation, resulting in a marked enhancement in efficiency. However, further increasing the thickness above 1 µm yields only marginal efficiency gains, as photon absorption reaches saturation and the recombination rate increases, highlighting the trade-off between absorption depth and minority carrier lifetime. Overall, the study demonstrates that careful optimization of both doping and absorber thickness is essential to achieving high-efficiency CIGS solar cells. Specifically, a doping concentration of 6×1016 cm-3 combined with an absorber thickness in the range of 0.1-1 µm provides the most favorable conditions for device performance. These findings offer practical guidelines for experimental fabrication and numerical optimization, contributing to the design of more efficient thin-film photovoltaic devices. The insights provided by this work can guide future research in enhancing the performance of CIGS solar cells and other related thin-film technologies.
Abstract: This study investigates the effects of doping concentration and absorber layer thickness on the performance of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) thin-film solar cells using detailed numerical simulations. The work focuses on identifying optimal design parameters to maximize power conversion efficiency by analyzing their influence on key device characteristics, i...
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Research Article
Benchmarking the Efficiency of Stand-Alone Solar Photovoltaic Systems in Nigeria
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 4, August 2025
Pages:
107-114
Received:
3 October 2025
Accepted:
15 October 2025
Published:
7 November 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijepe.20251404.12
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: The growing demand for clean and reliable energy in off-grid and rural areas has made Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems a viable alternative to conventional power sources; however, maximizing their efficiency under cost and reliability constraints remains a major challenge, especially in developing regions. This study presents a novel, locally engineered Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) Solar charge controller (SCC) designed to enhance energy conversion efficiency in stand-alone PV systems while maintaining affordability and ease of maintenance. Unlike existing studies that rely on imported or commercially available controllers, this research integrates indigenous design optimization, locally sourced components, and context-specific testing under Nigerian climatic conditions. The locally constructed PWM charge controller was experimentally compared with a foreign PWM and a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) controller. Results showed that the MPPT controller achieved the highest efficiency (45-77.6%), while the PWM SCC recorded 43-66%. The inverter efficiency reached 89.7%, and the overall system efficiency was 24.4% for MPPT and 17.4% for the local PWM design. Despite its lower efficiency, the locally built PWM controller demonstrated significant potential as a cost-effective and reliable solution for rural electrification, particularly where access to advanced components is limited. The novelty of this study lies in the development and validation of a locally fabricated PWM SCC tailored to regional energy demands and environmental conditions, bridging the gap between performance optimization and economic feasibility. It also offers a platform for standardizing the overall efficiency of a standalone Solar PV systems while offering practical insights for advancing contextualized renewable energy technologies that promote sustainable, community-driven electrification in Nigeria and similar developing regions.
Abstract: The growing demand for clean and reliable energy in off-grid and rural areas has made Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems a viable alternative to conventional power sources; however, maximizing their efficiency under cost and reliability constraints remains a major challenge, especially in developing regions. This study presents a novel, locally engine...
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,
Youssou Gning
