Previous models of chalcopyrite-based tandem solar cells have not taken into account the limited optical transmission of the top cell observed. We use a quantitative model derived from measured optical properties of the different layers of the top cell to re-evaluate the benefits and limitations of the tandems. Guidelines are provided for minimizing optical losses in the structure. Optimization of the bottom absorber band gap and top absorber thickness is carried out. In combination with straightforward assumptions concerning the electronic cell properties, we calculate tandem maximum efficiencies in the range of 26percent-28percent depending on the degree of nonideal optical absorption.
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