What Is the Shockley-Queisser Detailed Balance Limit Calculator?
The Shockley-Queisser limit is the fundamental thermodynamic ceiling on single-junction solar cell efficiency.
How Does the Shockley-Queisser Detailed Balance Limit Calculator Work?
Photons with energy below Eg pass unabsorbed (transmission loss); photons with energy above Eg lose excess energy as heat (thermalization).
Shockley-Queisser Detailed Balance Limit Calculator Formula & Variables
The core mathematical equation utilized by this calculator is expressed as:
\eta_{\text{SQ}} = \frac{V_{oc} I_{sc} FF}{P_{\text{sun}}}, \quad \eta_{\max} \approx 33.7\% \quad (E_g \approx 1.34\text{ eV})
Shockley-Queisser detailed balance thermodynamic solar efficiency limit.
How to Use the Shockley-Queisser Detailed Balance Limit Calculator
- Input semiconductor bandgap energy in electron-volts and incident solar irradiance.
Step-by-Step Example Calculation
Silicon vs GaAs Solar Cell
Input Values:
bandgapElectronVolts:1.34
solarIrradianceWPerM2:1000
Worked Steps: Predicts maximum single-junction theoretical efficiency of 33.7% and peak power of 337 W/m².
Understanding Your Result
Shows theoretical maximum efficiency percentage and peak output power density.
Factors That Affect the Result
- Optimum bandgap lies between 1.1 eV and 1.4 eV, making Silicon (1.12 eV) and GaAs (1.42 eV) ideal absorbers.
When Should You Use This Calculator?
- Fundamental materials evaluation for perovskites, tandem solar cells, and emerging semiconductors.
Assumptions & Limitations
- Assumes single p-n junction with un-concentrated 1-sun illumination; tandem/multi-junction cells can surpass this limit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Calculation Accuracy & Reference Note
Derived from William Shockley and Hans Queisser landmark 1961 detailed balance paper.