Potential of thin-film solar cell module technologyDuring the past five years, thin-film cell technology has made remarkable progress as a potential alternative to crystalline silicon cell technology. The efficiency of a single-junction thin-film cell, which is the most promising for use in flat-plate modules, is now in the range of 11 percent with 1-sq cm cells consisting of amorphous silicon, CuInSe2 or CdTe materials. Cell efficiencies higher than 18 percent, suitable for 15 percent-efficient flat plate modules, would require a multijunction configuration such as the CdTe/CuInSe2 and tandem amorphous-silicon (a-Si) alloy cells. Assessments are presented of the technology status of thin-film-cell module research and the potential of achieving the higher efficiencies required for large-scale penetration into the photovoltaic (PV) energy market.
Document ID
19860040161
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Shimada, K. (Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Ferber, R. R. (Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Costogue, E. N. (California Institute of Technology Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, United States)