Progress on high efficiency thin film solar cells

✍ Scribed by D.L. Morel

• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Year: 1988
• Weight: 397 KB
• Volume: 24
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0379-6787
• DOI: 10.1016/0379-6787(88)90045-2

✦ Synopsis

Studies indicate that 15% module efficiencies are required for central station utility plants. Efficiencies of 9% have been achieved in 30 cm X 30 cm thin film modules with both copper indium diselenide and thin film silicon:hydrogen or "amorphous silicon"; however, it is unlikely that either will reach the 15% level as single junctions in the near term. By combining the two into four-terminal tandem structures, we have achieved 14.2% laboratory cell efficiencies and 12.3% 30 cm X 30 cm module efficiencies. These efficiency results are discussed, along with additional performance factors including device stability, energy-based rating and module qualification.