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Application of CIS to high-efficiency PV module fabrication. Phase 3 final technical report

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/656619· OSTI ID:656619
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  1. International Solar Electric Technology, Inglewood, CA (United States)

During this research period, researchers at International Solar Electric Technology (ISET) concentrated their efforts on three different areas of research. Within the National CIS R and D Team, ISET participated in the substrate/Mo interactions working group and investigated issues such as Na diffusion from the soda-lime glass substrate into the Mo layers and CIS films. Researchers determined that the Na content within the Mo layers was not a strong function of the nature of the Mo film. However, they found that diffusion through the Mo layers was a function of the Mo film characteristics as well as a very strong function of the CIS growth process itself. Researchers showed conclusively that the Na resided on the grain boundaries of CIS layers. Another team activity involved evaluation of CdS-free CIS solar cells. ZnO/CIS junctions prepared by the two-stage process showed light-soaking effects. Cells left under illumination improved in efficiency and were similar to the CdS/CIS junctions. After storage in the dark, however, efficiency deteriorated greatly for the ZnO/CIS device, most of the decline coming from the open-circuit voltage values. Much of the effort during this period was spent on developing a low-cost, non-vacuum CIS deposition technique. The method developed involves particulate deposition and formation of precursor layers followed by the conversion of these layers into CIS. Test modules of 40--60 cm{sup 2} were adapted to understand the issues involved in this novel technology. At the present time, the submodule efficiencies are 6--7%. Single-cell efficiencies are in the 10--13% range.

Research Organization:
National Renewable Energy Lab., Golden, CO (United States); International Solar Electric Technology, Inglewood, CA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC36-83CH10093
OSTI ID:
656619
Report Number(s):
NREL/SR--520-25218; ON: DE98007319
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English