Open Access Version

Abstract:
In this thesis, interdigitated back-contacted silicon heterojunction (IBC SHJ) solar cells have been investigated. This technology enables record power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 26.7%. However, these results come at the cost of increased fabrication complexity as photolithography is largely used for contact preparation and is not feasible in the strongly cost-driven photovoltaics (PV) industry. Two patterning techniques for the fabrication of IBC SHJ solar cells have been presented and discussed: a photolithography reference process, and a leaner shadow-mask process relying on in-situ patterning of the doped a-Si:H layers during PECVD. Furthermore, the first experimental realisation of a three-terminal tandem solar cell with an interdigitated back-contact (3T IBC) combining perovskite and IBC SHJ subcells is presented.