Complete characterization of the heterojunction CuInSe/sub 2//CdS(Zn) solar cell

Conference · Tue May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1984 · Conf. Rec. IEEE Photovoltaic Spec. Conf.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6076188

Eron, N M; Rothwarf, A

Thin film, high efficiency CuInSe/sub 2//CdS(Zn) solar cells provided by Boeing were studied using an automated multi-purpose experimental station to carry out capacitance-voltage, current-voltage, spectral response-voltage measurements as a function of temperature, frequency, light bias, and wavelength. A p-i-n heterojunction model with a voltage dependent light generated current can account for most of the phenomena seen, but models involving tunneling, or modification of the barrier at the interface are also viable. Large capacitance transients are seen and are related to deep levels, most likely in the selenide. Heat treatments produce a change in the diode factor. An interface charging model is proposed to explain the voltage dependent light generated current. This model can also account for diode factors greater than 2. Estimates of the practical limits to the efficiency of the cell are in the 15-16% range.

• Research Organization: Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA
• OSTI ID: 6076188
• Report Number(s): CONF-840561-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Conf. Rec. IEEE Photovoltaic Spec. Conf.; (United States)
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140501* -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Photovoltaic Conversion
CADMIUM SULFIDE SOLAR CELLS
CAPACITY
CHALCOGENIDES
CONVERSION
COPPER COMPOUNDS
COPPER SELENIDES
CURRENTS
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
EFFICIENCY
ELECTRIC CURRENTS
ENERGY CONVERSION
EQUIPMENT
HEAT TREATMENTS
HETEROJUNCTIONS
INDIUM COMPOUNDS
INDIUM SELENIDES
INTERFACES
JUNCTIONS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
P-N JUNCTIONS
PERFORMANCE TESTING
PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC CONVERSION
SELENIDES
SELENIUM COMPOUNDS
SEMICONDUCTOR JUNCTIONS
SOLAR CELLS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SPECTRAL RESPONSE
TESTING
TRANSITION ELEMENT COMPOUNDS