Silver nanowire networks as transparent top electrodes for silicon solar cells

Losses caused by the metal top contacts still remain as an issue in crystalline silicon (Si) solar cells. One approach to eliminate shading losses is to utilise transparent nanostructure networks synthesised through rapid and low cost processes. In this work, the potential of highly conductive silver nanowire (Ag NW) networks as transparent top electrodes for the elimination of metallisation process in Si solar cells was investigated. Ag NW top contact cells were found to possess enhanced conversion efficiencies with respect to conventional metal contact reference cells. Increase in conversion efficiency was attributed to the elimination of shading losses, preferential scattering of light into the substrate by localised surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs) of the Ag NWs and localised and higher charge collection capability with respect to conventional metal contacts.