High-Efficiency CdTe and CIGS Thin-Film Solar Cells: Highlights and Challenges; Preprint

Conference · Mon May 01 00:00:00 EDT 2006

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1109/WCPEC.2006.279455· OSTI ID:891540

Noufi, R; Zweibel, K

Thin-film photovoltaic (PV) modules of CdTe and Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) have the potential to reach cost-effective PV-generated electricity. These technologies have transitioned from the laboratory to the market place. Pilot production and first-time manufacturing are ramping up to higher capacity and enjoying a flood of venture-capital funding. CIGS solar cells and modules have achieved 19.5% and 13% efficiencies, respectively. Likewise, CdTe cells and modules have reached 16.5% and 10.2% efficiencies, respectively. Even higher efficiencies from the laboratory and from the manufacturing line are only a matter of time. Manufacturing-line yield continues to improve and is surpassing 85%. Long-term stability has been demonstrated for both technologies; however, some failures in the field have also been observed, emphasizing the critical need for understanding degradation mechanisms and packaging options. The long-term potential of the two technologies require R&D emphasis on science and engineering-based challenges to find solutions to achieve targeted cost-effective module performance, and in-field durability. Some of the challenges are common to both, e.g., in-situ process control and diagnostics, thinner absorber, understanding degradation mechanisms, protection from water vapor, and innovation in high-speed processing and module design. Other topics are specific to the technology, such as lower-cost and fast-deposition processes for CIGS, and improved back contact and voltage for CdTe devices.

• Research Organization: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO.
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC36-99GO10337
• OSTI ID: 891540
• Report Number(s): NREL/CP-520-39894
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
BACK CONTACT
BASE ELECTRODE
CAPACITY
DESIGN
ELECTRICITY
ENERGY CONVERSION
FLOODS
HIGH EFFICIENCY
MANUFACTURER
MANUFACTURING
MARKET
MODULE
MONOLITHIC INTEGRATION
PACKAGING
PERFORMANCE
PROCESS CONTROL
PROCESSING
PRODUCTION
PV
SOLAR CELLS
STABILITY
Solar Energy - Photovoltaics
THIN FILM
WATER VAPOR