Preparation of thin films for solar energy utilization

Journal Article · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1980 · J. Vac. Sci. Technol.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1116/1.570391· OSTI ID:5380982

Mattox, D M

Thin film deposition techniques have made and are making a significant contribution to solar energy utilization. Commercial applications of thin films include photothermal selective absorbers formed by electroplating, chemical conversion, and vacuum processing; solar reflectors formed by vacuum processes; heat reflectors formed by vacuum processes and spray pyrolysis; and antireflection coating formed by vacuum processes and chemical leaching and the metallization of photovoltaic cells. CdS/Cu/sub 2/S photovoltaics formed by vacuum processes and spray pyrolysis are also close to commercial utilization. Principal concerns in thin films applications include economics of fabrication and environmental stability of the thin film materials. At the present time, for many applications the best and most economical film deposition technology is not yet defined. One of the major problems with thin film evaluation is the lack of acceptable testing procedures particularly as related to lifetime. Research and development is continuing in the application of sophisticated thin films to photovoltaic conversion and other applications. This paper reviews the status of thin film in solar energy utilization.

• Research Organization: Sandia Laboratories, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87185
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DP00789
• OSTI ID: 5380982
• Journal Information: J. Vac. Sci. Technol.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Vac. Sci. Technol.; (United States) Vol. 17:1; ISSN JVSTA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140501* -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Photovoltaic Conversion
141000 -- Solar Collectors & Concentrators
ANTIREFLECTION COATINGS
CADMIUM COMPOUNDS
CADMIUM SULFIDES
CHALCOGENIDES
CHEMICAL COATING
CHEMICAL VAPOR DEPOSITION
COATINGS
CONVERSION
COPPER COMPOUNDS
COPPER SULFIDES
DEPOSITION
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ELECTRIC CONTACTS
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
ENERGY CONVERSION
EQUIPMENT
FABRICATION
FILMS
INORGANIC PHOSPHORS
PHOSPHORS
PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
SERVICE LIFE
SOLAR ABSORBERS
SOLAR CELLS
SOLAR CONCENTRATORS
SOLAR ENERGY CONVERSION
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SOLAR REFLECTORS
SPECTRALLY SELECTIVE SURFACES
STABILITY
SULFIDES
SULFUR COMPOUNDS
SURFACE COATING
SURFACES
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
TRANSITION ELEMENT COMPOUNDS
VACUUM COATING