Title :
Progress in inexpensive a-Si:H/a-Si:H tandem module technology
Author :
Schropp, R.E.I. ; von der Linden, M.B. ; Wallinga, J. ; Knoesen, D. ; Hyvärinen, J. ; Skarp, J. ; Suntola, T. ; Willemen, J.A. ; Zeman, M. ; Metselaar, J.W. ; Loyer, W. ; Guillardeau, D. ; Fabre, E.
Author_Institution :
Dept. of Atomic & Interface Phys., Utrecht Univ., Netherlands
Abstract :
This paper describes a research and technology development project within the framework of the EU JOULE II program in order to implement a-Si:H/a-Si:H tandem solar cell structures developed in the laboratory in the manufacturing procedure for large area integrated modules at NAPS France. In less than 20 test runs utilizing a stacked a-Si:H/a-Si:H tandem solar cell structure, the authors have obtained current-matched PV panels (30 cm×90 cm) with an initial power output equal to conventional single junction panels. Stability tests performed outdoor showed that tandem modules are indeed more stable than their single junction counterparts. This is accomplished without adding production steps with respect to single junction module production. Therefore the tandem fabrication concept will lead to a drastic reduction in the cost per peak Watt, even at small production levels
Keywords :
amorphous semiconductors; elemental semiconductors; hydrogen; p-n heterojunctions; semiconductor device manufacture; semiconductor device testing; semiconductor doping; silicon; solar cell arrays; solar cells; 30 cm; 90 cm; EU JOULE II program; R&D project; Si:H-Si:H; a-Si:H/a-Si:H tandem solar cell; amorphous semiconductor; current-matched PV panels; initial power output; large area integrated modules; manufacturing procedure; production levels; stability tests; tandem fabrication concept; Africa; Amorphous silicon; Costs; Laboratories; Optical films; Photovoltaic cells; Physics; Production; Testing; Thin film devices;
Conference_Titel :
Photovoltaic Energy Conversion, 1994., Conference Record of the Twenty Fourth. IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference - 1994, 1994 IEEE First World Conference on
Conference_Location :
Waikoloa, HI
Print_ISBN :
0-7803-1460-3
DOI :
10.1109/WCPEC.1994.520039
