Efficiency analysis of organic, perovskite, and CIGS solar cells: determination of photovoltaic parameters under different weather conditions

Abstract The primary objective of this study is to compare the performance of organic, perovskite, and CIGS solar cells under sunny and diverse weather conditions. Samples were collected for five different scenarios, including sunny, lightly cloudy, heavily cloudy, and overcast, during the summer months when sunlight exposure is highest in the specified region. Solar spectra were obtained for each weather condition to simulate photovoltaic characteristics using the OghmaNano software. Based on measurements conducted in various weather conditions and time periods, the photovoltaic parameters of each solar cell were determined, and their performances were examined. The results underscore the significance of considering weather conditions in the design and optimization of solar energy systems, as well as the selection of the appropriate solar cell based on performance disparities across different weather conditions. Perovskite solar cells showed the highest efficiency in all weather scenarios, while CIGS solar cells maintained stable performance even in cloudy conditions. Furthermore, the cell efficiency of organic solar cells decreased as cloudiness increased. As anticipated, the highest efficiency was recorded in sunny weather conditions for all types of solar cells. However, efficiency decreased with an increase in cloud cover. Likewise, a decrease in efficiency was observed as the measurement time extended beyond the 12:00-14:00-hour window. During sunny weather conditions, the highest efficiency values between 12:00 and 14:00 h were as follows: Organic solar cells at 16.76%, perovskite solar cells at 28.77%, and CIGS solar cells at 2.67%. These findings elucidate that solar cells manifest their optimal performance under specific weather conditions and time intervals.