High-Efficiency Thin-Film Cadmium Telluride Photovoltaic Cells ; Final Subcontract Report, Final Technical Report, 21 January 1994-31 March 1998

High-Efficiency Thin-Film Cadmium Telluride Photovoltaic Cells ; Final Subcontract Report, Final Technical Report, 21 January 1994-31 March 1998 PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 49

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Book Description
This report describes work performed during the past year by The University of Toledo photovoltaics group. Researchers continued to develop rf sputtering for CdS/CdTe thin-film solar cells and to optimize the post-deposition process steps to match the characteristics of the sputtering process. During the fourth phase of the present contract, we focused on determining factors that limit the efficiency in our ''all-sputtered'' thin-film CdTe solar cells on soda-lime glass. These issues include controlling CdS/CdTe interdiffusion, understanding the properties of the CdS(subscript x)Te{sub 1-x} alloy, optimizing process conditions for CdCl2 treatments, manipulating the influence of ion bombardment during rf sputtering, and understanding the role of copper in quenching photoluminescence and carrier lifetimes in CdTe. To better understand the important CdS/CdTe interdiffusion process, we have continued our collaboration with the University at Buffalo and Brookhaven National Synchrotron Light Source in measurements using grazing-incidence X-rays. Interdiffusion results in the formation of the ternary alloy material CdS(subscript x)Te{sub 1-x} at or near the heterojunction, where its properties are critical to the operation of the solar cell. We have placed significant effort on characterizing this alloy, an effort begun in the last phase. A complete set of films spanning the alloy range, prepared by pulsed-laser deposition, has now been characterized by wavelength dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and optical absorption at NREL; by Raman scattering, X-ray diffraction, and electrical measurements in our lab; and by spectroscopic ellipsometry at Brooklyn College. We continued to participate in cooperative activity with the CdTe National Team. We prepared a series of depositions on borosilicate glass substrates having doped SnO2 layers coated with TiO2 (prepared by the University of South Florida and Harvard) and similar substrates having a resistive SnO2 layer on the doped tin oxide (fabricated by Golden Photon). The Golden Photon high-resistivity SnO2 structure yielded excellent cell performance.

High-Efficiency Thin-Film Cadmium Telluride Photovoltaic Cells ; Final Subcontract Report, Final Technical Report, 21 January 1994-31 March 1998

High-Efficiency Thin-Film Cadmium Telluride Photovoltaic Cells ; Final Subcontract Report, Final Technical Report, 21 January 1994-31 March 1998 PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 49

Get Book Here

Book Description
This report describes work performed during the past year by The University of Toledo photovoltaics group. Researchers continued to develop rf sputtering for CdS/CdTe thin-film solar cells and to optimize the post-deposition process steps to match the characteristics of the sputtering process. During the fourth phase of the present contract, we focused on determining factors that limit the efficiency in our ''all-sputtered'' thin-film CdTe solar cells on soda-lime glass. These issues include controlling CdS/CdTe interdiffusion, understanding the properties of the CdS(subscript x)Te{sub 1-x} alloy, optimizing process conditions for CdCl2 treatments, manipulating the influence of ion bombardment during rf sputtering, and understanding the role of copper in quenching photoluminescence and carrier lifetimes in CdTe. To better understand the important CdS/CdTe interdiffusion process, we have continued our collaboration with the University at Buffalo and Brookhaven National Synchrotron Light Source in measurements using grazing-incidence X-rays. Interdiffusion results in the formation of the ternary alloy material CdS(subscript x)Te{sub 1-x} at or near the heterojunction, where its properties are critical to the operation of the solar cell. We have placed significant effort on characterizing this alloy, an effort begun in the last phase. A complete set of films spanning the alloy range, prepared by pulsed-laser deposition, has now been characterized by wavelength dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and optical absorption at NREL; by Raman scattering, X-ray diffraction, and electrical measurements in our lab; and by spectroscopic ellipsometry at Brooklyn College. We continued to participate in cooperative activity with the CdTe National Team. We prepared a series of depositions on borosilicate glass substrates having doped SnO2 layers coated with TiO2 (prepared by the University of South Florida and Harvard) and similar substrates having a resistive SnO2 layer on the doped tin oxide (fabricated by Golden Photon). The Golden Photon high-resistivity SnO2 structure yielded excellent cell performance.

Solar Cells and Modules

Solar Cells and Modules PDF Author: Arvind Shah
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030464873
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 357

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Book Description
This book gives a comprehensive introduction to the field of photovoltaic (PV) solar cells and modules. In thirteen chapters, it addresses a wide range of topics including the spectrum of light received by PV devices, the basic functioning of a solar cell, and the physical factors limiting the efficiency of solar cells. It places particular emphasis on crystalline silicon solar cells and modules, which constitute today more than 90 % of all modules sold worldwide. Describing in great detail both the manufacturing process and resulting module performance, the book also touches on the newest developments in this sector, such as Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact (TOPCON) and heterojunction modules, while dedicating a major chapter to general questions of module design and fabrication. Overall, it presents the essential theoretical and practical concepts of PV solar cells and modules in an easy-to-understand manner and discusses current challenges facing the global research and development community.

High Efficiency Ultra Thin Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) Solar Cells

High Efficiency Ultra Thin Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) Solar Cells PDF Author: Nowshad Amin
Publisher: LAP Lambert Academic Publishing
ISBN: 9783659369438
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 148

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Book Description
Thin film cadmium telluride absorbers with cadmium sulphide hetero-junction partner are promising candidates for high efficiency low cost solutions of solar energy harvesting devices. These devices have band gaps well-suited for effective absorption of sunlight. Most importantly, the materials used in these devices can be deposited in a variety of industry-friendly ways, so that the cost associated with manufacturing is generally lower than other available technologies. Although poly-crystalline CdS has been found to be the best suited heterojunction partner for CdTe solar cell, the conventional polycrystalline CdS/CdTe cell has few issues that limit device performance. In order to overcome these problems, this study proposes the introduction of poly-CdS to amorphous oxygenated CdS (a-CdS: O) as window layer. The a-CdS: O window material has higher optical band gap (2.5-3.1 eV), better lattice match with CdTe absorber materials and reduced inter-diffusion tendency of CdS and CdTe layers. This book systematically demonstrates the conversion process of poly CdS to a-CdS: O and develops a strategy for the fabrication of suitable a-CdS: O layer to be applied in CdTe solar ce

Fundamentals of Solar Cell Design

Fundamentals of Solar Cell Design PDF Author: Inamuddin
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119724708
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 578

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Book Description
Solar cells are semiconductor devices that convert light photons into electricity in photovoltaic energy conversion and can help to overcome the global energy crisis. Solar cells have many applications including remote area power systems, earth-orbiting satellites, wristwatches, water pumping, photodetectors and remote radiotelephones. Solar cell technology is economically feasible for commercial-scale power generation. While commercial solar cells exhibit good performance and stability, still researchers are looking at many ways to improve the performance and cost of solar cells via modulating the fundamental properties of semiconductors. Solar cell technology is the key to a clean energy future. Solar cells directly harvest energy from the sun’s light radiation into electricity are in an ever-growing demand for future global energy production. Solar cell-based energy harvesting has attracted worldwide attention for their notable features, such as cheap renewable technology, scalable, lightweight, flexibility, versatility, no greenhouse gas emission, environment, and economy friendly and operational costs are quite low compared to other forms of power generation. Thus, solar cell technology is at the forefront of renewable energy technologies which are used in telecommunications, power plants, small devices to satellites. Aiming at large-scale implementation can be manipulated by various types used in solar cell design and exploration of new materials towards improving performance and reducing cost. Therefore, in-depth knowledge about solar cell design is fundamental for those who wish to apply this knowledge and understanding in industries and academics. This book provides a comprehensive overview on solar cells and explores the history to evolution and present scenarios of solar cell design, classification, properties, various semiconductor materials, thin films, wafer-scale, transparent solar cells, and so on. It also includes solar cells’ characterization analytical tools, theoretical modeling, practices to enhance conversion efficiencies, applications and patents.

High-efficiency Thin-film Cadmium Telluride Photovoltaic Cells

High-efficiency Thin-film Cadmium Telluride Photovoltaic Cells PDF Author: Alvin D. Compaan
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Cadmium telluride
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description


Coatings and Thin-Film Technologies

Coatings and Thin-Film Technologies PDF Author: Jaime Andres Perez Taborda
Publisher: BoD – Books on Demand
ISBN: 1789848709
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 288

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Book Description
The field of coatings and thin-film technologies is rapidly advancing to keep up with new uses for semiconductor, optical, tribological, thermoelectric, solar, security, and smart sensing applications, among others. In this sense, thin-film coatings and structures are increasingly sophisticated with more specific properties, new geometries, large areas, the use of heterogeneous materials and flexible and rigid coating substrates to produce thin-film structures with improved performance and properties in response to new challenges that the industry presents. This book aims to provide the reader with a complete overview of the current state of applications and developments in thin-film technology, discussing applications, health and safety in thin films, and presenting reviews and experimental results of recognized experts in the area of coatings and thin-film technologies.

Fundamentals Of Solar Cells

Fundamentals Of Solar Cells PDF Author: Alan Fahrenbruch
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0323145388
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 580

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Book Description
Fundamentals of Solar Cells: Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conversion provides an introduction to the fundamental physical principles of solar cells. It aims to promote the expansion of solar photovoltaics from relatively small and specialized use to a large-scale contribution to energy supply. The book begins with a review of basic concepts such as the source of energy, the role of photovoltaic conversion, the development of photovoltaic cells, and sequence of phenomena involved in solar power generation. This is followed by separate chapters on each of the processes that take place in solar cell. These include solar input; properties of semiconductors; recombination and the flow of photogenerated carriers; charge separation and the characteristics of junction barriers; and calculation of solar efficiency. Subsequent chapters deal with the operation of specific solar cell devices such as a single-crystal homojunction (Si); a single-crystal-heterojunction/buried-homojunction (AlGaAs/GaAs); and a polycrystalline, thin-film cell (CuxS/CdS). This book is intended for upper-level graduate students who have a reasonably good understanding of solid state physics and for scientists and engineers involved in research and development of solar cells.

High-efficiency Thin-film Cadmium Telluride Photovoltaic Cells

High-efficiency Thin-film Cadmium Telluride Photovoltaic Cells PDF Author: Alvin D. Compaan
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Cadmium telluride
Languages : en
Pages : 31

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Book Description
This annual report covers the second year of a 3-year NREL subcontract with the University of Toledo that is focused on improvements in efficiency for radio frequency (rf)-sputtered CdS/CdTe solar cells. In earlier work supported by NREL, the University of Toledo established the viability of two new deposition methods for CdS/CdTe solar cells by fabricating cells with efficiencies greater than 10% at air mass (AM) 1.5 on soda lime glass for 'all-sputtered' cells and also for 'all-laser-deposited' cells. Most of our effort has been placed on radio frequency sputtering (RFS) because it was judged to be more economical and more easily scaled to large-area deposition. However, laser physical vapor deposition (LPVD) has remained our method of choice for the deposition of CdCl2 layers and also for the exploration of new materials such as the ternary alloys including CdSxTe1-x and dopants such as Cu in ZnTe.

US Polycrystalline Thin Film Solar Cells Program

US Polycrystalline Thin Film Solar Cells Program PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 8

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Book Description
The Polycrystalline Thin Film Solar Cells Program, part of the United States National Photovoltaic Program, performs R D on copper indium diselenide and cadmium telluride thin films. The objective of the Program is to support research to develop cells and modules that meet the US Department of Energy's long-term goals by achieving high efficiencies (15%-20%), low-cost ($50/m2), and long-time reliability (30 years). The importance of work in this area is due to the fact that the polycrystalline thin-film CuInSe2 and CdTe solar cells and modules have made rapid advances. They have become the leading thin films for PV in terms of efficiency and stability. The US Department of Energy has increased its funding through an initiative through the Solar Energy Research Institute in CuInSe2 and CdTe with subcontracts to start in Spring 1990. 23 refs., 5 figs.

High Efficiency Cadmium Telluride and Zinc Telluride Based Thin-film Solar Cells

High Efficiency Cadmium Telluride and Zinc Telluride Based Thin-film Solar Cells PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 108

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Book Description
This report describes work to improve the basic understanding of CdTe and ZnTe alloys by growing and characterizing these films along with cell fabrication. The major objective was to develop wide-band-gap (1.6--1.8 eV) material for the top cell, along with compatible window material and transparent ohmic contacts, so that a cascade cell design can be optimized. Front-wall solar cells were fabricated with a glass/SnO2/CdS window, where the CdS film is thin to maximize transmission and current. Wide-band-gap absorber films (E{sub g} = 1.75 eV) were grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) and metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) techniques, which provided excellent control for tailoring the film composition and properties. CdZnTe films were grown by both MBE and MOCVD. All the as-grown films were characterized by several techniques (surface photovoltage spectroscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)) for composition, bulk uniformity, thickness, and film and interface quality. Front-wall-type solar cells were fabricated in collaboration with Ametek Materials Research Laboratory using CdTe and CdZnTe polycrystalline absorber films. The effects of processing on ternary film were studied by AES and XPS coupled with capacitance voltage and current voltage measurements as a function of temperature. Bias-dependent spectral response and electrical measurements were used to test some models in order to identify and quantify dominant loss mechanisms.