Enhanced photovoltaic performance of silicon solar cells using a down-shift KCa2Mg2(VO4)3 phosphor

The efficiency of silicon solar cells is still lower than theoretical values, partly due to their inability to utilize the ultraviolet and infrared portions of the solar spectrum. Herein, a novel method using a KCa2Mg2(VO4)3 phosphor with a down-shift effect to improve the photovoltaic performance of silicon solar cells and enhance the utilization of UV light in standard p-type silicon solar cells is proposed. The synthesized phosphors were mixed with an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer and pressed into a film, which was subsequently encapsulated in monocrystalline silicon solar cells. The results show that the addition of this film notably enhanced the photovoltaic performance of the silicon solar cells; the current density was increased by 2.89% (from 33.20 to 34.16 mA cm−2), and the photovoltaic conversion efficiency was improved by 5.69% (from 15.11% to 15.97%) at the optimal concentration compared to bare cells.