Novel tubular geometry CdTe/CdS devices

We have demonstrated growth of a TCO/CdS/CdTe thin film multi-layer structure on a tubular geometry borosilicate glass substrate. The tubular geometry presents many advantages which are discussed in the paper. The TCO was deposited on the inner walls of the glass tube using vapour deposition. Solution deposition of CdS was followed by electrodeposition of CdTe. The layers have been characterized by optical absorption and resistivity measurements. The paper presents characterization data on the TCO/CdS/CdTe structures grown on this novel geometry and discusses the potential of this device structure for improvements in PV efficiency. The development of thin film PV structures on variable geometries and the developments of a combined PV solar-thermal module using the tubular device geometry is proposed based on these initial results.