Research on stable, high-efficiency, large-area, amorphous-silicon-based submodules, Task B: Semiannual subcontract report, 16 March 1988--15 September 1988

Technical Report · Thu Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1989

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6108000· OSTI ID:6108000

Delahoy, A. E.; Kampas, F. J.

This research concerns the improvement of the efficiency and stability of large-area amorphous silicon photovoltaic submodules, based on both single- and tandem-junction device structures. For the improvement of cell efficiency, carbon-graded a-Si/sub x/C/sub 1-x/:H p-layers, ITO/Ag back reflectors, alternate SnO/sub 2/ substrates, and TiO/sub x/ recombination layers at the n/p interface of tandem cells are described. Significant contributions to the study of transport and defect states in a-Si:H were made using the steady-state photocarrier grating technique, charge collection in thick p-i-n structures, thermally stimulated currents, and current DLTS. An extensive study of the deposition of SiO/sub 2/ barrier layers on soda lime glass to improve SnO/sub 2/:F conductivity is reported. Submodule research includes laser isolation, active scribe tracking, post-fabrication defect removal, and a new interconnect scheme employing two levels of metallization. Power output and aperture area efficiency for single junction submodules were 5.9W (7.0%) for 1 /times/ 1 sq. ft. and 17.7W (6.9%) for 1 /times/ 3 sq. ft. Outdoor stability tests on glass-glass encapsulated tandem submodules are also described.

• Research Organization: Solar Energy Research Inst., Golden, CO (USA); Chronar Corp., Princeton, NJ (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC02-83CH10093
• OSTI ID: 6108000
• Report Number(s): SERI/STR-211-3528; ON: DE89009439
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140501* -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Photovoltaic Conversion
AMORPHOUS STATE
BOROSILICATE GLASS
CARBIDES
CARBON COMPOUNDS
CHALCOGENIDES
DEPOSITION
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
DOCUMENT TYPES
EFFICIENCY
ELEMENTS
EQUIPMENT
FABRICATION
GLASS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
PROGRESS REPORT
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
SEMIMETALS
SILICON
SILICON CARBIDES
SILICON COMPOUNDS
SILICON OXIDES
SILICON SOLAR CELLS
SOLAR CELLS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SUBSTRATES
TESTING
TIN COMPOUNDS
TIN OXIDES
TITANIUM COMPOUNDS
TITANIUM OXIDES
TRANSITION ELEMENT COMPOUNDS