Polycrystalline thin-film solar cells and modules

Conference · Sun Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1991

OSTI ID:6244864

Ullal, H S; Stone, J L; Zweibel, K; Surek, T; Mitchell, R L

This paper describes the recent technological advances in polycrystalline thin-film solar cells and modules. Three thin film materials, namely, cadmium telluride (CdTe), copper indium diselenide (CuInSe{sub 2}, CIS) and silicon films (Si-films) have made substantial technical progress, both in device and module performance. Early stability results for modules tested outdoors by various groups worldwide are also encouraging. The major global players actively involved in the development of the these technologies are discussed. Technical issues related to these materials are elucidated. Three 20-kW polycrystalline thin-film demonstration photovoltaic (PV) systems are expected to be installed in Davis, CA in 1992 as part of the Photovoltaics for Utility-Scale Applications (PVUSA) project. This is a joint project between the US Department of Energy (DOE), Pacific Gas and Electric (PG E), Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), California Energy Commission (CEC), and a utility consortium.

• Research Organization: National Renewable Energy Lab., Golden, CO (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: DOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC02-83CH10093
• OSTI ID: 6244864
• Report Number(s): NREL/TP-214-4610; CONF-920227--3; ON: DE92001196
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140501* -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Photovoltaic Conversion
140600 -- Solar Energy-- Photovoltaic Power Systems
CADMIUM TELLURIDE SOLAR CELLS
COPPER SELENIDE SOLAR CELLS
CRYSTALS
DEPOSITION
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
EQUIPMENT
FILMS
INDIUM SELENIDE SOLAR CELLS
MATERIALS
PERFORMANCE
PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER PLANTS
POLYCRYSTALS
POWER PLANTS
SILICON SOLAR CELLS
SOLAR CELLS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SOLAR POWER PLANTS
SPUTTERING
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
THIN FILMS