**6.8 AFORS-het**

Among other simulators, AFROS-HET is one-dimensional numerical simulating software for modeling heterojunction PV solar cells, optoelectronic devices as well as some communal solar cell characterization techniques [26]. This simulating software is generated by A. Froitzheim et al. of Hahn-Meitner-Institute Berlin, Germany in 2003 [26]. It is useful for the maximum attainable efficiencies as well as developing the designing mechanism for solar cells like crystalline and amorphous solar cells [27]. The Auger recombination, intra-band model and Hurkx model are incorporated by the latest version of AFROS-HET [28]. This unique simulator has been generally utilized for (multi-junction) thin-film solar cells well as (heterojunction) multi-layer solar cells. The typical input panels in AFORS-HET are illustrated in **Figure 7**. The latest version 2.4 of AFORS-HET explains the one-dimensional semiconductor equations like Poisson's equation, continuity equation for electrons/holes with the help of predictable differences under altered conditions, i.e.,


A group of different physical models have been applied. The class of electron and hole pairs may be designated either by Lambert–Beer absorption containing irregular surfaces and by using measureable transmission and reflection files also by measuring the plain surface internal reflections with the help of complex indices of reflection for the different layers.

Basic input parameter of AFORS-HET and associated physical models:

• Super band gap generation optical models (Optical parameters).

**Figure 7.** *Typical input panels in AFORS-HET.*

*Performance Evaluation of Solar Cells by Different Simulating Softwares DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.111639*


## **6.9 Aspin-2D**

ASPIN-2D is a particular two-dimensional computer program developed by M Vukadinović from Ljubljana University in 2000 [29]. This modeling tool is developed with the help of drift-diffusion model and has been utilized to simulate transport of heterojunction solar cells. The latest version of this software is ASPIN3 which permits the simulating lateral transport as well as mixtures of various materials, grain boundaries that are not promising with one-dimensional simulator [30]. This simulating package is suitable for p-i-n junction-based a-Si PV solar cell together with tandem cell and CIGS cell.

### **6.10 Photo electro chemical simulation software (PECSIM)**

It is a state-of-the art programming platform for solar cell, designed by Matthias Schmid et al. at Zürich University in 2011 [31]. This simulator was specifically established for DSSCs (Dye-sensitized solar cells) using a certified optical model which includes an electrical model and ray-tracing algorithm. A unique and user-friendly GUI is unified in PECSIM for enabling the consumers to distinguish a deep vision into the contact between the various constituents of a DSSCs or perovskite solar cells (PSCs) as well as GUI supports the consumers to evaluate the conversion losses and embrace the optimization techniques for getting better the performance of solar cell. With the growing reputation of PSCs and DSSCs, the uses and applications of PECSIM simulating software have been growing extraordinarily.

#### **6.11 Adept**

ADEPT is another commonly used simulator developed by Jeffrey L. Gray in 1991 and written in C++ language [32]. This modeling software utilizes a comprehensive Newton method for execution by using ADEPT tool. One-dimensional simulation can be executed simply in usual PC environment. A latest uniting of the sparse matrix solvers permits this tool to accomplish two-dimensional simulations as well as it can be used to arrange the homo and heterostructures of PV solar cell and for further applications. ADEPT solves Poisson's equation and the hole and electron continuity equations in one dimension in compositionally non-uniform semiconductors. It was designed to represent solar cells made from amorphous silicon, copper indium diselenide and cadmium telluride. As the user enter material properties (band gap, mobility, etc.), devices made from any material with known parameters can be represented. At any operational point, carrier density, recombination, electric field and others may be displayed. The novel Frozen Potential Method simulates non-superposition solar cells. This simulator has been utilized to simulate the workings of GaAs, CIGS, AlGaAs, CdTe as well as a-Si:H PV solar cell [33].

## **6.12 TCAD**

TCAD is a particular computer program generally known as commercial simulation package that has been developed for designing and fabrication of semiconductor device. This solar simulator is designed by Synopsys that enable the programmers, researchers as well as industrialists to implement the device simulations for composite structured PV solar cell along with investigating the obtained simulation results [34, 35].

Many research organizations like NREL are using this solar simulator for calculating the CdTe, CIGS, GaAs as well as multi-junction PV solar cell efficiency and actual manufacturing of these solar cells. Most of the solar softwares revealed above are generated for one-dimensional solar cell simulations [36].

#### **6.13 Atlas**

ATLAS is an excellent solar simulator that has been generated for estimating the optoelectronic performance of 2D/3D semiconductor devices. This solar simulator is established by Silvaco Atlas and is utilized for simulation of various kinds of single junction PV solar cells. ATLAS has supplementary feature of simulation for tandem cell productions and performances. This simulating tool is also proficient to simulate the optoelectronic properties of inorganic and organic cells. Yet, this solar simulator has been performed for CIGS cell, textured cell, MIS cell, 3D coaxial cell and image sensors working simulation. The above discussed solar cell softwares are well reputable and commonly operated for executing the simulation task of multiple types of PV solar cells [37].
