Abstract
In this work, the authors present a circuit model to perform multidimensional solar cell simulations. This model allows for incorporating effects of lateral current flows in solar cells, keeping the required time and computer resources relatively low. The use and sensitivity of the model will be described based on its application towards the design of metallization patterns for locally passivated back surface structures. As a second application the authors present the usage of the model to study the influence of different cell parameters such as surface recombination velocities and cell thickness on its performance.