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Title: Challenge of replacing CdS in CuInSe{sub 2}-based solar cells

Journal Article · · AIP Conference Proceedings
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.52912· OSTI ID:552860
; ; ;  [1]
  1. Washington State University at Tri-Cities, 100 Sprout Rd., Richland, Washington 99352 (United States)

This paper discusses some key issues concerning the replacement of CdS buffer layers in CIS solar cell structures, and describes investigations of alternative buffer layers deposited by MOCVD. One apparently unique property of CdS buffer layers grown by CBD is that a ZnO TCO can be deposited on top of a CdS/CIS structure without significantly degrading the photovoltaic properties of the CdS-CIS junction. Investigation of alternative buffer materials such as high resistance ZnO (i-ZnO), ZnSe and InSe have first identified MOCVD growth procedures that yield Al/X/CIS test structures (X=i-ZnO, ZnSe and InSe) with good properties, and then addressed the challenge of fabricating efficient, complete cells with conductive ZnO top contact layers. These studies have been conducted with Siemens CIS and CIGSS substrates, and with NREL CIGS substrates. A total area efficiency of 12.7{percent} and estimated active area efficiency of 13.4{percent} is reported for a CIGS cell with an i-ZnO buffer layer grown by MOCVD. {copyright} {ital 1997 American Institute of Physics.}

OSTI ID:
552860
Report Number(s):
CONF-961178-; ISSN 0094-243X; TRN: 9722M0055
Journal Information:
AIP Conference Proceedings, Vol. 394, Issue 1; Conference: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)/Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) photovoltaics program review meeting, Lakewood, CO (United States), 18-22 Nov 1996; Other Information: PBD: Feb 1997
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English