Research Leading to High Throughput Processing of Thin-Film CdTe PV Module: Phase I Annual Report, October 2003 (Revised)
Work under this subcontract contributes to the overall manufacturing operation. During Phase I, average module efficiency on the line was improved from 7.1% to 7.9%, due primarily to increased photocurrent resulting from a decrease in CdS thickness. At the same time, production volume for commercial sale increased from 1.5 to 2.5 MW/yr. First Solar is committed to commercializing CdTe-based thin-film photovoltaics. This commercialization effort includes a major addition of floor space and equipment, as well as process improvements to achieve higher efficiency and greater durability. This report presents the results of Phase I of the subcontract entitled''Research Leading to High Throughput Processing of Thin-Film CdTe PV Modules.'' The subcontract supports several important aspects needed to begin high-volume manufacturing, including further development of the semiconductor deposition reactor, advancement of accelerated life testing methods and understanding, and improvements to th e environmental, health, and safety programs. Progress in the development of the semiconductor deposition reactor was made in several areas. First, a new style of vapor transport deposition distributor with simpler operational behavior and the potential for improved cross-web uniformity was demonstrated. Second, an improved CdS feed system that will improve down-web uniformity was developed. Third, the core of a numerical model of fluid and heat flow within the distributor was developed, including flow in a 3-component gas system at high temperature and low pressure and particle sublimation.
- Research Organization:
- National Renewable Energy Lab., Golden, CO. (US)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- US Department of Energy (US)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC36-99GO10337
- OSTI ID:
- 15006751
- Report Number(s):
- NREL/SR-520-35348; RDJ-2-30630-20
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Technology Support for High-Throughput Processing of Thin-Film CdTe PV Modules Annual Technical Report, Phase II
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Related Subjects
3-COMPONENT GAS SYSTEM
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
42 ENGINEERING
CDS THICKNESS
COMMERCIALIZATION
DEPOSITION
DOWN-WEB UNIFORMITY
HEAT FLUX
MANUFACTURER
MANUFACTURING
MODULE EFFICIENCY
PHOTOCURRENT
PHOTOCURRENTS
PROCESSING
PV
SAFETY
SEMICONDUCTOR DEPOSITION REACTOR
SOLAR ENERGY
SOLAR ENERGY - PHOTOVOLTAICS
SUBLIMATION
TESTING
THICKNESS
TRANSPORT
VAPOR TRANSPORT DEPOSITION