Effect of microstructure on the performance of stressed cadmium telluride photovoltaic (PV) devices

Our group has demonstrated a commercially viable, continuous, in-line process to fabricate PV devices with efficiencies of 13% on a low iron soda-lime glass (3"×3") with anti-reflection coatings. The process has been extended to large area devices (16"×16" substrate size). In this paper we present our results on the microstructural features of PV devices subjected to stress conditions. The results help to gain insight into the stability and lifetime of CdTe PV modules.