Numerical simulation of a thin film solar cell based on Ag2MgSnSe4 Kesterite absorber material for enhanced performance

• The thickness optimization of FTO|SnS 2 |Ag 2 MgSnSe 4 |Spiro-OMeTAD|Pt structure. • The precious metals outperform Al, Cu, Ni, and Mo as back contact metal with a work function (∼5.6 eV). • Electrical output of J sc (23.81 mA cm −2 ), V oc (9.50 V), FF (8.32 %), and a PCE (18.82 %). • Pt contact devices as a viable option for high-performance perovskite photovoltaics and long-term operational stability. • Lead-free Ag₂MgSnSe₄-based perovskite solar cells improve charge transport layers and efficiency. In thin-film solar cells, Ag 2 MgSnSe 4 kesterite has shown great promise due to its remarkable light-absorbing properties, abundance of non-toxic and earth-friendly components, and potential for cost-effective mass production. This study utilized the SCAPS-1D simulation program to model an FTO|SnS 2 |Ag 2 MgSnSe 4 |Spiro-OMeTAD|Pt solar cell device, employing platinum (Pt) as the counter electrode in an innovative method to explore its potential for high efficiency. After the thickness optimization process, the FTO|SnS 2 |Ag 2 MgSnSe 4 |Spiro-OMeTAD|Pt device showed a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.82 %, an open-circuit voltage (V oc ) of 9.50 V, a fill factor (FF) of 8.32 %, and a short-circuit current density (J sc ) of 23.81 mA cm -2 . Accordingly, the optimal thickness of the Ag 2 MgSnSe 4 absorber layer was established to be 1.6 µm at the standard working temperature of 300 K, which was sufficient to produce the highest performance. The obtained results highlight the important role that well-chosen combinations of charge transport layers can play in improving the efficiency of lead-free Ag 2 MgSnSe 4 -based perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Furthermore, the findings lend support to the potential use of Ag 2 MgSnSe 4 structures in the development of photovoltaic modules that can continue to function effectively at high temperatures, thereby advancing the search for long-lasting, environmentally responsible, and reasonably priced solar energy solutions.