Title :
Studies of ZnTe back contacts to CdS/CdTe solar cells
Author :
Gessert, T.A. ; Sheldon, P. ; Li, X. ; Dunlavy, D. ; Niles, D. ; Sasala, R. ; Albright, S. ; Zadler, B.
Author_Institution :
Nat. Renewable Energy Lab., Golden, CO, USA
fDate :
29 Sep-3 Oct 1997
Abstract :
Ongoing research topics in CdS/CdTe photovoltaic (PV) device technology include development of a back contact demonstrating low resistance and stability, while using processes consistent with large-area manufacturing. In efforts toward this goal, the authors have a sequence of dry, high-temperature processes to provide this contact. The process eliminates the need for chemical etching, and is performed at ~300°C to aid in contact stability and adhesion. Applying this contact process to NREL-grown CdS/CdTe device material has resulted in efficiencies >12%. Devices with efficiencies ~10% have also been produced using material supplied by Solar Cells, Inc., and by Golden Photon, Inc
Keywords :
II-VI semiconductors; cadmium compounds; ohmic contacts; semiconductor device manufacture; semiconductor device testing; semiconductor growth; semiconductor thin films; solar cells; zinc compounds; 10 percent; 300 C; CdS-CdTe; CdS/CdTe solar cells; ZnTe; ZnTe back contacts; dry high-temperature processes; large-area manufacturing; ohmic contact adhesion; ohmic contact stability; photovoltaic device technology; resistance; stability; Chemical processes; Chemical technology; Contact resistance; Etching; Manufacturing processes; Photovoltaic cells; Photovoltaic systems; Solar power generation; Stability; Zinc compounds;
Conference_Titel :
Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, 1997., Conference Record of the Twenty-Sixth IEEE
Conference_Location :
Anaheim, CA
Print_ISBN :
0-7803-3767-0
DOI :
10.1109/PVSC.1997.654117
