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Physics of CdTe Photovoltaics: from Front to Back

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 February 2011

V. G. Karpov ,
Diana Shvydka  and
Yann Roussillon
V. G. Karpov
Affiliation:
Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606, USA
Diana Shvydka
Affiliation:
Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606, USA
Yann Roussillon
Affiliation:
Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606, USA
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Abstract

We discuss physical mechanisms underlying the performance and stability of CdTe based thin-film PV. The processes in (i) photovoltaic junction, (ii) back contact, (iii) nonuniformities, (iv) grain boundaries, and (v) light-induced degradation are addressed including their interactions. The physics of thin film PV turns out to be quite different from that of crystalline PV. High surface-volume ratio and lack of crystallinity result in strong interfacial effects, lateral nonuniformities, and shunting-like and adhesion instabilities in thin film structures. This paper is aimed at presenting a ‘big picture'; also, it suggests practical ways of improving thin-film PV.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 865: Symposium F – Thin-Film Compound Semiconductor Photovoltaics , 2005 , F10.1
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2005

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