Multi-scale simulation of thin-film photovoltaic devices

A unified platform for numerical simulation of thin-film PV devices from micron to meter length scales is presented. Higher dimensional, time-dependent, and multi-physics modeling allow for investigation of a broad range of phenomena within one PV simulation tool. Partial shading and nonuniformity effects in a CIGS minimodule are investigated. Coupled electrothermal finite element modeling clarifies the connections between shading, reverse bias, and thermal effects.