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Characterization and modeling of reverse-bias breakdown in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 photovoltaic devices

Journal Article · · Progress in Photovoltaics
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/pip.3168· OSTI ID:1545000
 [1];  [2];  [1];  [1];  [1];  [1];  [1]
  1. National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
  2. Bowling Green State Univ., OH (United States)
+ Show Author Affiliations
Partial shading of series-connected thin-film photovoltaic modules can force shaded cells into reverse bias, which can cause rapid and irreversible power loss and reduce the practical module lifespan. Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence in field-deployed modules due to the myriad of environmental factors that can result in partial shading. In this work, we identify as-grown nonuniformities in the Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) absorber layers as the points of origin for the damage induced under reverse-bias conditions. The structure and chemistry associated with inclusions and voids in the CIGS films cause these features to act as resistive heating elements in reverse-bias conditions. This localized resistive heating provides the energy required to induce thermal runaway breakdown in the CIGS devices, resulting in damage to charge collection and reduced active area of a device. This mechanism is also described with a robust device model to connect the experimental observations with their physical origins.
Research Organization:
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE; USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Solar Energy Technologies Office (EE-4S)
Grant/Contract Number:
AC36-08GO28308
OSTI ID:
1545000
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1542519
Report Number(s):
NREL/JA--5K00-72230
Journal Information:
Progress in Photovoltaics, Journal Name: Progress in Photovoltaics Journal Issue: 9 Vol. 27; ISSN 1062-7995
Publisher:
WileyCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

References (10)

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  • Silverman, Timothy J.; Deceglie, Michael G.; Sun, Xingshu
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conference June 2015
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Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
CIGS solar cell
lock-in thermography
modeling partial shading
reverse-bias breakdown