Optimizing Device Characteristics for VLS-Grown InP Heterojunction Solar Cells

III-V solar cells have record-setting efficiencies, but higher costs than certain alternatives. To reduce costs while maintaining desired efficiencies, we start with a recent example of a low-cost III-V solar cell: VLS-grown InP heterojunctions with moderate efficiencies. Here, we develop and validate a simple corresponding model, then consider how to improve device performance via design. In particular, we seek the optimal values for device characteristics associated with material parameters amenable to adjustment by experiment. To achieve this goal, we developed the ContourPV simulation tool. This simulation process provides an experimentally-based case study of how a simulation tool can facilitate optimization of photovoltaic device design.