Understanding the angle-independent photon harvesting in organic homo-tandem solar cells

The effective device photo current of organic tandem solar cells is independent of the angle of light incidence up to 65°. This feature renders these devices particularly suitable for stationary applications where they receive mainly indirect light. In a combined experimental and simulative study, we develop a fundamental understanding of the causal absorption and charge generation mechanisms in organic homo-tandem solar cells. A 3-terminal tandem device architecture is used to measure the optoelectronic properties of both subcells individually. The analysis of the angle dependent external quantum efficiencies of the subcells and the tandem device reveal an internal balancing of the wavelength dependent subcell currents elucidating the low sensitivity of the tandem device properties on the angle of incidence.