Harnessing the Sun with Thin Film Photovoltaics: Preprint
Conference
·
OSTI ID:789280
Photovoltaic (PV) technologies have a substantial role in meeting electric power needs in the next century, especially with an expected competitive position compared to conventional power-generation and other renewable- energy technologies. Thin-film photovoltaic modules based on CdTe, CuInSe2 or Si can potentially be produced by economical, high-volume manufacturing techniques, dramatically reducing component cost. However, the translation of laboratory thin-film technologies to first-time, large-scale manufacturing has been much more difficult than expected. This is due to the complexity of the processes involved for making large-area PV modules at high rates and with high yields, and compounded by the lack of a fundamental scientific and engineering base required to properly engineer and operate manufacturing equipment. In this paper, we discuss the need to develop diagnostics tools and associated predictive models that quantitatively assess processing conditions and pro duct properties. Incorporation of the diagnostic sensors into both laboratory reactors and manufacturing facilities will (1) underpin the development of solar cells with improved efficiency, and (2) accelerate the scale-up process through intelligent process-control schemes. ''Next-generation'' high-performance (e.g., >25% conversion efficiency) thin-film PV modules will also be assessed, along with critical issues associated with their development.
- Research Organization:
- National Renewable Energy Lab., Golden, CO (US)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- US Department of Energy (US)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC36-99GO10337
- OSTI ID:
- 789280
- Report Number(s):
- NREL/CP-520-29582
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
High-Efficiency CdTe and CIGS Thin-Film Solar Cells: Highlights and Challenges; Preprint
Role of Polycrystalline Thin-Film PV Technologies for Achieving Mid-Term Market-Competitive PV Modules
Effective Interfaces in Silicon Heterojunction Solar Cells
Conference
·
Mon May 01 00:00:00 EDT 2006
·
OSTI ID:891540
Role of Polycrystalline Thin-Film PV Technologies for Achieving Mid-Term Market-Competitive PV Modules
Conference
·
Mon Jan 31 23:00:00 EST 2005
·
OSTI ID:15016403
Effective Interfaces in Silicon Heterojunction Solar Cells
Conference
·
Mon Jan 31 23:00:00 EST 2005
·
OSTI ID:15016495