Efficient CdTe/CdS solar cells and modules by spray processing

Author

Albright, Scot P. ; Ackerman, Bruce ; Jordan, John F.

Author_Institution

Photon Energy Inc., El Paso, TX, USA

Volume

37

Issue

2

fYear

1990

fDate

2/1/1990 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

434

Lastpage

437

Abstract

Efforts have been directed toward production of efficient, large-area, low-cost photovoltaic modules based on the CdS/CdTe heterojunction, with the objective being to develop an improved materials technology and fabrication process for limited volume production of 1-ft² and 4-ft² CdS/CdTe photovoltaic modules. The present structure of the CdS/CdTe polycrystalline thin-film photovoltaic devices being produced is presented, along with its potential for efficiency improvement. Junction characterization studies are summarized. Module design is described, particularly with regard to encapsulation issue. Future developmental directions are discussed

Keywords

II-VI semiconductors; cadmium compounds; encapsulation; modules; semiconductor growth; semiconductor junctions; solar cells; spray coatings; CdS/CdTe heterojunction; CdTe-CdS solar cells; efficiency improvement; encapsulation; limited volume production; low-cost photovoltaic modules; polycrystalline thin-film photovoltaic devices; semiconductors; spray processing; Encapsulation; Fabrication; Heterojunctions; Materials science and technology; Photovoltaic cells; Photovoltaic systems; Production; Solar power generation; Spraying; Thin film devices;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Electron Devices, IEEE Transactions on

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0018-9383

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/16.46379

Filename

46379