The incorporation of a detailed model for the photon recycling effect
into an exact numerical solar cell simulation code is described. The c
ommonly encountered radiative lifetime multiplication factor is shown
to have both a spatial and bias point dependence. Example simulations
show that photon recycling can significantly reduce the effective reco
mbination current and thereby have a large effect on the open circuit
voltage of a solar cell. Possible ways to capitalize upon this effect
are discussed.