Effect of liquid dielectrics on the efficiency of silicon solar cells

The results of experimental studies of the change in the photoelectric char acteristics of silicon solar cells produced as a result of depositing thin, liquid dielectric layers (glycerine, acetone, isopropyl alcohol, butanol, dioxane, deionized water) are presented. It is shown that the presence of t hese liquids reduces the forward and reverse currents, substantially raises the short-circuit currents and open-circuit voltage, and significantly inc reases the efficiency (by up to 40-60%). Possible physical models are propo sed for this effect. (C) 1999 American Institute of Physics. [S1063-7826(99 )01512-4].