Study of energy absorption on solar cell using metamaterials

Negative index can be achieved using specially-designed metal embedded in dielectric bodies. This periodic structure known as a metamaterial can possibly be used for a new innovative solar cell in the future. Parametric studies, stripe shape studies, and material studies are carried out to achieve better absorption when assuming there is no thermal energy loss. The obtained numerical results shows that semicircular solar cell has the best absorption, around 77% in the solar spectrum and 84% in the visible region, especially when using Ni and SiN as materials.

► In this paper, solar energy absorption on solar cell using metamaterials is studied using COMSOL® software. ► Parametric studies indicate that perfect absorption is not achieved by some embedded modules. ► Different stripe tests show that a non-angular stripe has better absorption. ► Designs with different materials are carried out to achieve better performance. ► Absorption comes out can reach around 77% in the solar spectrum and 84% in the visible region.