Download or read book Development of Deposition and Characterization Systems for Thin Film Solar Cells written by Alexander J. Cimaroli and published by . This book was released on 2016 with total page 153 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Photovoltaic (PV) devices are becoming more important due to a number of economic and environmental factors. PV research relies on the ability to quickly fabricate and characterize these devices. While there are a number of deposition methods that are available in a laboratory setting, they are not necessarily able to be scaled to provide high throughput in a commercial setting. A close-space sublimation (CSS) system was developed to provide a means of depositing thin films in a very controlled and scalable manner. Its viability was explored by using it to deposit the absorber layer in Zn3P2 and CdTe solar cell devices. Excellent control over morphology and growth conditions and a high level of repeatability was demonstrated in the study of textured Zn3P2 thin films. However, some limitations imposed by the structure of Zn3P2-based PV devices showed that CSS may not be the best approach for depositing Zn3P2 thin films. Despite the inability to make Zn3P2 solar cell devices, high efficiency CdTe solar cells were fabricated using CSS. With the introduction of Perovskite-based solar cell devices, the viability of data collected from conventional J-V measurements was questioned due to the J-V hysteresis that Perovskite devices exhibited. New methods of solar cell characterization were developed in order to accurately and quickly assess the performance of hysteretic PV devices. Both J-V measurements and steady-state efficiency measurements are prone to errors due to hysteresis and maximum power point drift. To resolve both of these issues, a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) system was developed with two algorithms: a simple algorithm and a predictive algorithm. The predictive algorithm showed increased resistance to the effects of hysteresis because of its ability to predict the steady-state current after a bias step with a double exponential decay model fit. Some publications have attempted to quantify the degree of J-V hysteresis present in fabricated Perovskite-based devices, but the analysis relied on J-V measurements. The sweep rate, starting bias, illumination time, etc. would affect the value of the calculated degree of hysteresis. A method of using transient photocurrent measurements is presented to accurately quantify the degree of hysteresis for all solar cells: not just Perovskite-based devices. According to this method, almost all solar cell devices exhibit several forms of J-V hysteresis. This method may open new ways of analyzing the defects in fabricated PV devices

Download or read book Thin Film Solar Cells written by Jef Poortmans and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2006-10-02 with total page 502 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Thin-film solar cells are either emerging or about to emerge from the research laboratory to become commercially available devices finding practical various applications. Currently no textbook outlining the basic theoretical background, methods of fabrication and applications currently exist. Thus, this book aims to present for the first time an in-depth overview of this topic covering a broad range of thin-film solar cell technologies including both organic and inorganic materials, presented in a systematic fashion, by the scientific leaders in the respective domains. It covers a broad range of related topics, from physical principles to design, fabrication, characterization, and applications of novel photovoltaic devices.

Download or read book Advanced Characterization of Thin Film Solar Cells written by Mowafak Al-Jassim and published by Institution of Engineering and Technology. This book was released on 2020-09-17 with total page 457 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Polycrystalline thin-film solar cells have reached a levelized cost of energy that is competitive with all other sources of electricity. The technology has significantly improved in recent years, with laboratory cell efficiencies for cadmium telluride (CdTe), perovskites, and copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) each exceeding 22 percent. Both CdTe and CIGS solar panels are now produced at the gigawatt scale. However, there are ongoing challenges, including the continued need to improve performance and stability while reducing cost. Advancing polycrystalline solar cell technology demands an in-depth understanding of efficiency, scaling, and degradation mechanisms, which requires sophisticated characterization methods. These methods will enable researchers and manufacturers to improve future solar modules and systems.

Download or read book Thin Film Solar Cells From Earth Abundant Materials written by Subba Ramaiah Kodigala and published by Newnes. This book was released on 2013-11-14 with total page 197 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The fundamental concept of the book is to explain how to make thin film solar cells from the abundant solar energy materials by low cost. The proper and optimized growth conditions are very essential while sandwiching thin films to make solar cell otherwise secondary phases play a role to undermine the working function of solar cells. The book illustrates growth and characterization of Cu2ZnSn(S1-xSex)4 thin film absorbers and their solar cells. The fabrication process of absorber layers by either vacuum or non-vacuum process is readily elaborated in the book, which helps for further development of cells. The characterization analyses such as XPS, XRD, SEM, AFM etc., lead to tailor the physical properties of the absorber layers to fit well for the solar cells. The role of secondary phases such as ZnS, Cu2-xS,SnS etc., which are determined by XPS, XRD or Raman, in the absorber layers is promptly discussed. The optical spectroscopy analysis, which finds band gap, optical constants of the films, is mentioned in the book. The electrical properties of the absorbers deal the influence of substrates, growth temperature, impurities, secondary phases etc. The low temperature I-V and C-V measurements of Cu2ZnSn(S1-xSex)4 thin film solar cells are clearly described. The solar cell parameters such as efficiency, fill factor, series resistance, parallel resistance provide handful information to understand the mechanism of physics of thin film solar cells in the book. The band structure, which supports to adjust interface states at the p-n junction of the solar cells is given. On the other hand the role of window layers with the solar cells is discussed. The simulation of theoretical efficiency of Cu2ZnSn(S1-xSex)4 thin film solar cells explains how much efficiency can be experimentally extracted from the cells. - One of the first books exploring how to conduct research on thin film solar cells, including reducing costs - Detailed instructions on conducting research

Download or read book Development of in situ methods for process monitoring and control and characterization of Cu Zn Sn S based thin films written by Van Duren, Stephan and published by Universitätsverlag der TU Berlin. This book was released on 2019-06-03 with total page 188 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In recent years, kesterite Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) has become an interesting alternative to copper indium gallium (di)selenide (CIGS) due to its non-toxic and earth abundant constituents. A variety of methods is being used to fabricate kesterite thin films, such as coevaporation, sputtering, electrodeposition, spray pyrolysis and others. Most of them include an annealing step to stimulate elemental mixing and interdiffusion. Although conversion efficiencies of kesterite solar cells have increased among different research groups, the record value of 12.6% set by IBM in 2014 has not been broken yet. Therefore, experimental and theoretical studies are needed to predict the effect of the secondary phases and detrimental defects on the electronical properties of the CZTS based solar devices. The work presented here studies non-destructive techniques for in situ process control and monitoring. With the aim to detect phases and phase transitions to optimize crucial processing steps such as pre-annealing of metal precursors, high temperature annealing and vacuum deposition of Cu-Sn-Zn-S based thin films. The research consists of three parts in which Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and reflectometry are used to explore this objective. In the first part Raman spectroscopy is investigated as an in situ monitoring technique during high temperature annealing of thin films. It investigates whether the occurrence of CZTS can be monitored when it is created from annealing a Mo/CTS/ZnS layered thin film. CuS, SnS, ZnS and CTS (Cu-Sn-S) films are prepared by physical vapor deposition. The Raman scattering intensity was compared to investigate whether their specific vibrational modes can be distinguished from each other at room temperature. Then, the CTS film is annealed between 50 and 550 °C in order to investigate whether CTS vibrational modes can be identified at elevated temperatures and to see which transitions take place within the thin film. Also, a CZTS reference film is annealed between 50 and 550 °C for reference purposes. The temperature dependence of the main CZTS modes is examined to investigate whether it can be used for in situ temperature control. Finally, a ZnS layer is deposited on the unannealed CTS film to obtain a Mo/CTS/ZnS layered film. This film is used to study the conversion of CTS/ZnS into CZTS at elevated temperatures. It was found that Raman spectroscopy can successfully be used to monitor formation of CZTS by identifying its main vibrational mode during the annealing process. The intensity of the CTS modes reduces at elevated temperatures. At 450 °C, the main CZTS mode at 338 cm-1 can be clearly identified. The second part also focuses on high temperature annealing. However, in this part the focus lies on annealing of the metal precursor films. It is explored whether specific alloys benefit or hinder the formation of secondary phases during formation of the CZTS absorber films. Also, to what extent this influences solar cell performance. In situ XRD was investigated for in situ monitoring of the pre-annealing process. Cu-poor metal precursor films are prepared by sputtering deposition. The precursors are annealed at 150 °C, 200 °C, 300 °C and 450 °C in a three zone tube furnace. The effect on the structural properties is analysed by XRD to study the formation mechanism of alloys. The precursor films are then sulfurized in a three zone tube furnace. The structural properties of the absorber are analysed and correlated with structures in the precursor. It is found that formation of SnS2 in the absorber is proportional to the remaining Sn in the pre-annealed precursor. Also, electron micrographs showed that pre-annealing temperature influences grain growth and surface precipitation of Sn-S and Zn-S. Pre-annealed absorbers at 450 °C did not exhibit these phases on the surface. Solar devices are fabricated from the absorber films and best performing devices were obtained from pre-annealed absorbers at 450 °C. They showed absence of Sn and SnS2 in, respectively, the precursor and absorber. It could be concluded that SnS2 phases are detrimental to device efficiency and that SnS2 XRD peak intensity follows an inverse proportionality with device efficiency. The third part explores reflectometry as a method to monitor a growing film during thermal evaporation in a physical vapor deposition (PVD) system. A set of six CZTS absorbers is examined by ex situ Raman spectroscopy and reflectometry to study the influence of secondary phases CuS and ZnS on reflection spectra. Composition strongly influences reflection spectra and CuS leaves a characteristic dip in the reflection spectrum at about 600 nm. An integration method was used to analyze this phenomenon quantitatively. Subsequently, a reflectometry setup is designed, developed and integrated in the PVD system. Four different CZTS co-evaporated and multi-layered films are deposited. Structural, morphological and vibrational properties are investigated. The reflection spectra are monitored during deposition and time-dependent reflection spectra are analyzed for characteristic aspects related to properties such as thickness, band gap and phase formation. CuS could not be detected in the films by the integration method due to the superposition of the CuS dip with developing interference fringes during film growth. However, in multilayered CTS/ZnS film it is found that the onset of ZnS deposition can be detected by increased reflection intensity due to reduced surface roughness. Additionally, the shifting onset of the interference fringes to lower photon energies can be used as a characteristic fingerprint during the deposition process. In conclusion, this work showed that Raman spectroscopy, XRD and reflectometry could be successfully implemented for in situ process control and monitoring of high temperature annealing and vacuum deposition of Cu-Sn-Zn-S based precursors and absorbers. The application of these in situ techniques can lead to the optimization of thin film material properties and solar cells. As such, this study has paved the way for further improvement of Cu-Sn-Zn-S based precursors and thin film absorbers. Innerhalb der letzten Jahre hat sich Kesterit Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) aufgrund seiner ungiftigen Bestandteile und deren hoher Verfügbarkeit zu einer interessanten Alternative zu Kupfer Indium Gallium (di-)Selenid (CIGS) entwickelt. Zur Herstellung von Kesterit Dünnschichten wird eine Vielzahl von Methoden verwendet wie Ko-Verdampfung, Sputtern, Elektrodeposition, Spray Pyrolyse und andere. Die meisten davon beinhalten einen Temper-Schritt um die Durchmischung und Interdiffusion der Elemente zu stimulieren. Obwohl der Wirkungsgrad der Kersterit Solarzellen von verschiedenen Forschungsgruppen erhöht wurde, ist der Rekordwert von IBM von 12,6 % noch nicht gebrochen worden. Daher werden experimentelle und theoretische Studien benötigt, die den Einfluss von Fremdphasen und schädlichen Defekten auf die elektronischen Eigenschaften der CZTS Solarzellen vorhersagen. Die vorliegende Arbeit untersucht zerstörungsfreie Methoden für die in situ Prozesskontrolle und -überwachung. Dabei ist das Ziel, entscheidende Prozessschritte wie das Vortempern der Metall-Vorläufer sowie das Hochtemperatur-Tempern und die Vakuum-Abscheidung von Cu-Sn-Zn-S basierten Schichten zu optimieren. Die Untersuchung besteht aus drei Teilen, in denen Raman-Spektroskopie, Röntgendiffraktion (XRD) und Reflektometrie benutzt werden um dieses Ziel zu erreichen. Im ersten Teil wird die Ramanspektroskopie als in situ Methode zur Überwachung des Hochtemperatur-Temperns von Dünnschichten betrachtet. Es wird untersucht, ob das Entstehen von CZTS beim Tempern von gestapelten Mo/CTS/ZnS Dünnschichten beobachtet werden kann. CuS, SnS, ZnS und CTS (Cu-Sn-S) Schichten werden durch physikalische Gasabscheidung hergestellt. Die Intensität der Raman Streuung wurde vergleichen um zu untersuchen, ob die spezifischen Vibrations-Moden bei Raumtemperatur voneinander unterschieden werden können. Dann werden die CTS Schichten zwischen 50 °C und 550 °C getempert um zu untersuchen, ob die CTS Vibrations-Moden bei höheren Temperaturen identifiziert werden können und um festzustellen, welche Übergänge innerhalb der Schicht auftreten. Außerdem wurde eine CZTS Referenzschicht zwischen 50 °C und 550 °C für Referenzzwecke getempert worden. Die Temperaturabhängigkeit der CZTS Haupt-Moden werden betrachtet, um zu untersuche, ob sie für die in situ Temperaturüberwachung verwendet werden können. Abschließend wurde eine ZnS Schicht auf einem nicht getemperten CTS Film abgeschieden, um eine gestapelte Mo/CTS/ZnS Schicht zu erhalten. Diese Schicht wird verwendet, um die Umwandlung von CTS/ZnS zu CZTS bei erhöhten Temperaturen zu untersuchen. Es wurde festgestellt, dass Raman Spektroskopie erfolgreich verwendet werden kann, um die Bildung von CZTS zu überwachen, indem die Haupt-Vibrations-Moden während des Temperns identifiziert werden. Die Intensität der CTS Moden verringert sich bei höheren Temperaturen. Bei 450 °C kann die CZTS Hauptmode bei 338 cm-1 klar identifiziert werden. Der zweite Teil konzentriert sich ebenfalls auf das Hochtemperatur-Tempern. In diesem Teil liegt der Fokus allerdings auf dem Tempern der Metal-Vorläufer-Schichten. Es wird erforscht, ob bestimmte Legierungen die Entstehung von Fremdphasen während der Entstehung der CZTS Absorberschichten begünstigen oder hemmen und welchen Einfluss dies auf die Leistung der Solarzelle hat. In situ XRD wird verwendet, um die Prozesse des Vortemperns zu überwachen. Kupfer arme Metall-Vorläufer-Schichten werden durch Sputtern aufgetragen. Die Vorläufer werden bei 150 °C, 200 °C, 300 °C und 450 °C in einem Drei-Zonen-Röhren-Ofen getempert. Die Auswirkungen auf die strukturellen Eigenschaften werden mit XRD analysiert, um den Entstehungsmechanismus der Legierungen zu untersuchen. Die Vorläuferschichten werden dann in einem Drei-Zonen-Röhren-Ofen sulfurisiert. Die strukturellen Eigenschaften des Absorbers werden analysiert und mit der Struktur der Vorläufer korreliert. Es wurde festgestellt, dass die Entstehung von SnS2 im Absorber proportional zum verbleibenden Sn im vorgetemperten Vorläufer ist. Außerdem zeigen Bilder des Rasterelektronenmikroskops, dass die Temperatur des Vortemperns das Kornwachstum und das Abschieden von Sn-S und Zn-S an der Oberfläche beeinflusst. Bei 450 °C vorgetemperte Absorber weisen keine dieser Phasen an der Oberfläche auf. Solarzellen werden aus diesen Absorber-Schichten hergestellt und die besten Zellen entstanden aus den bei 450 °C vorgetemperten Absorbern. Bei diesen traten Sn und SnS2 weder im Vorläufer noch im Absorber auf. Es konnte geschlussfolgert werden, dass SnS2 Phasen schädlich für den Wirkungsgrad der Zellen sind und dass die Intensität der SnS2 XRD Peaks invers proportional zum Wirkungsgrad der Zellen ist. Der dritte Teil erforscht die Reflektometrie als Methode zur Überwachung des Schichtwachstums während des thermischen Verdampfens in einer Anlage zur physikalischen Gasabscheidung (PVD). Ein Satz aus sechs CZTS Absorbern wird mittels ex situ Raman-Spektroskopie und Reflektometrie vermessen, um den Einfluss der Fremdphasen CuS und ZnS auf die Reflexionsspektren zu untersuchen. Die Zusammensetzung beeinflusst die Reflexionsspektren stark und CuS hinterlässt eine charakteristische Senkung bei 600 nm im Reflexionsspektrum. Eine Integrationsmethode wurde verwendet um dieses Phänomen quantitativ zu analysieren. Anschließend wurde ein Reflektometrieaufbau entworfen, entwickelt und in die PVD-Anlage integriert. Vier verschiedene CZTS koverdampfte und Mehrschicht-Filme wurden abgeschieden. Strukturelle, morphologische und Vibrationseigenschaften werden untersucht. Die Reflexionsspektren werden während des Abscheidens aufgenommen und zeitabhängige Reflexionsspektren werden auf charakteristische Aspekte im Zusammenhang mit Eigenschaften wie Dicke, Bandlücke und Entstehung von Phasen untersucht. CuS konnte in den Schichten mit der Integrations-Methode wegen der Überlagerung der CuS Senkung mit dem entstehenden Interferenzmuster nicht detektiert werden. Allerdings wurde in gestapelten CTS/ZnS Schichten beobachtet werden, dass der Beginn der ZnS Abscheidung durch eine ansteigende Intensität der Reflektion aufgrund der verringerten Oberflächenrauigkeit detektiert werden kann. Zusätzlich kann die Verschiebung des Startpunkts der Interferenzen zu niedrigeren Photonenenergien als charakteristischer Fingerabdruck während des Abscheidungsprozesses verwendet werden. Zusammenfassend zeigt diese Arbeit, dass Raman-Spektroskopie, XRD und Reflektrometrie erfolgreich als in situ Prozesskontrolle und –überwachung bei Hochtemperatur-Tempern und Vakuum-Abscheidung von Cu-Sn-Zn-S basierten Vorläufern und Absorbern realisiert werden konnten. Die Anwendung dieser in situ Techniken kann zu einer Optimierung der Eigenschaften von Dünnschicht-Materialien und von Solarzellen führen. Als solche hat diese Untersuchung den Weg für weitere Verbesserung von Cu-Sn-Zn-S basierte Vorläufer und Dünnschicht-Absorber geebnet.

Download or read book Handbook of Thin Film Deposition written by Krishna Seshan and published by William Andrew. This book was released on 2012-12-06 with total page 411 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Handbook of Thin Film Deposition is a comprehensive reference focusing on thin film technologies and applications used in the semiconductor industry and the closely related areas of thin film deposition, thin film micro properties, photovoltaic solar energy applications, new materials for memory applications and methods for thin film optical processes. In a major restructuring, this edition of the handbook lays the foundations with an up-to-date treatment of lithography, contamination and yield management, and reliability of thin films. The established physical and chemical deposition processes and technologies are then covered, the last section of the book being devoted to more recent technological developments such as microelectromechanical systems, photovoltaic applications, digital cameras, CCD arrays, and optical thin films. - A practical survey of thin film technologies aimed at engineers and managers involved in all stages of the process: design, fabrication, quality assurance and applications - Covers core processes and applications in the semiconductor industry and new developments in the photovoltaic and optical thin film industries - The new edition takes covers the transition taking place in the semiconductor world from Al/SiO2 to copper interconnects with low-k dielectrics - Written by acknowledged industry experts from key companies in the semiconductor industry including Intel and IBM - Foreword by Gordon E. Moore, co-founder of Intel and formulator of the renowned 'Moore's Law' relating to the technology development cycle in the semiconductor industry

Download or read book Advanced Characterization Techniques for Thin Film Solar Cells written by Daniel Abou-Ras and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2016-07-13 with total page 760 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The book focuses on advanced characterization methods for thin-film solar cells that have proven their relevance both for academic and corporate photovoltaic research and development. After an introduction to thin-film photovoltaics, highly experienced experts report on device and materials characterization methods such as electroluminescence analysis, capacitance spectroscopy, and various microscopy methods. In the final part of the book simulation techniques are presented which are used for ab-initio calculations of relevant semiconductors and for device simulations in 1D, 2D and 3D. Building on a proven concept, this new edition also covers thermography, transient optoelectronic methods, and absorption and photocurrent spectroscopy.

Download or read book Plasma Characterization and Modelling for C Si Solar Cells Thin Film Deposition written by Lazhar Rachdi and published by . This book was released on 2021 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Thin Film Solar Cells written by Qiaoer Zhou and published by . This book was released on 2011 with total page 288 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Thin Film Solar Cells written by Yoshihiro Hamakawa and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2013-03-09 with total page 259 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The first comprehensive book on thin-film solar cells, potentially a key technology for solving the energy production problem in the 21st century in an environmentally friendly way. It covers a wide range of scientific and technological aspects of thin film semiconductors - deposition technologies, growth mechanisms and the basic properties of amorphous and nano-crystalline silicon - as well as the optimum design theory and device physics of high-efficiency solar cells, especially of single-junction and multi-junction solar cells. The development of large-area solar cell modules using single and multi-junction solar cells is also considered. Examples of recent photovoltaic systems are presented and analysed.

Download or read book Handbook of Deposition Technologies for Films and Coatings written by Peter M. Martin and published by William Andrew. This book was released on 2009-12-01 with total page 932 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This 3e, edited by Peter M. Martin, PNNL 2005 Inventor of the Year, is an extensive update of the many improvements in deposition technologies, mechanisms, and applications. This long-awaited revision includes updated and new chapters on atomic layer deposition, cathodic arc deposition, sculpted thin films, polymer thin films and emerging technologies. Extensive material was added throughout the book, especially in the areas concerned with plasma-assisted vapor deposition processes and metallurgical coating applications.

Download or read book Thin Film Deposition written by Habib Habibur Rahman and published by LAP Lambert Academic Publishing. This book was released on 2013 with total page 248 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book presents the details theory about Nano technology, Thin films deposition process & practical application of thin films in different types of solar cells. In chapter three, Basic structure of solids, their classifications, Lattice, Basis & Miller indices has been discussed. In chapter four, thin film deposition methods, substrates, solutions preparation, growth mechanisms, advantages, disadvantages & application has been discussed. In chapter five, detailed theory about Spin coating, Spray pyrolysis etc & their growth mechanism, advantages, disadvantages, practical applications has been discussed. In chapter six & seven, An automatic spray pyrolysis system design procedure, fabrications & characterizations of thin films has been discussed. In chapter eight, detailed theory about CVD & PVD, growth mechanism, advantages, disadvantages, practical applications has been discussed. In chapter nine, preparation of ZnO film by using Hydrothermal & Anode oxidation method has been discussed. At last, detailed theory about solar cell, application of thin films in different types of solar cells, their working principle, advantages & efficiency analysis has been discuss

Download or read book Recent Advances in Thin Films written by Sushil Kumar and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2020-08-27 with total page 721 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This volume comprises the expert contributions from the invited speakers at the 17th International Conference on Thin Films (ICTF 2017), held at CSIR-NPL, New Delhi, India. Thin film research has become increasingly important over the last few decades owing to the applications in latest technologies and devices. The book focuses on current advances in thin film deposition processes and characterization including thin film measurements. The chapters cover different types of thin films like metal, dielectric, organic and inorganic, and their diverse applications across transistors, resistors, capacitors, memory elements for computers, optical filters and mirrors, sensors, solar cells, LED's, transparent conducting coatings for liquid crystal display, printed circuit board, and automobile headlamp covers. This book can be a useful reference for students, researchers as well as industry professionals by providing an up-to-date knowledge on thin films and coatings.

Download or read book Solar Cells and Modules written by Arvind Shah and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2020-07-16 with total page 357 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book gives a comprehensive introduction to the field of photovoltaic (PV) solar cells and modules. In thirteen chapters, it addresses a wide range of topics including the spectrum of light received by PV devices, the basic functioning of a solar cell, and the physical factors limiting the efficiency of solar cells. It places particular emphasis on crystalline silicon solar cells and modules, which constitute today more than 90 % of all modules sold worldwide. Describing in great detail both the manufacturing process and resulting module performance, the book also touches on the newest developments in this sector, such as Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact (TOPCON) and heterojunction modules, while dedicating a major chapter to general questions of module design and fabrication. Overall, it presents the essential theoretical and practical concepts of PV solar cells and modules in an easy-to-understand manner and discusses current challenges facing the global research and development community.

Download or read book Chemical Solution Deposition of Functional Oxide Thin Films written by Theodor Schneller and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2014-01-24 with total page 801 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This is the first text to cover all aspects of solution processed functional oxide thin-films. Chemical Solution Deposition (CSD) comprises all solution based thin- film deposition techniques, which involve chemical reactions of precursors during the formation of the oxide films, i. e. sol-gel type routes, metallo-organic decomposition routes, hybrid routes, etc. While the development of sol-gel type processes for optical coatings on glass by silicon dioxide and titanium dioxide dates from the mid-20th century, the first CSD derived electronic oxide thin films, such as lead zirconate titanate, were prepared in the 1980’s. Since then CSD has emerged as a highly flexible and cost-effective technique for the fabrication of a very wide variety of functional oxide thin films. Application areas include, for example, integrated dielectric capacitors, ferroelectric random access memories, pyroelectric infrared detectors, piezoelectric micro-electromechanical systems, antireflective coatings, optical filters, conducting-, transparent conducting-, and superconducting layers, luminescent coatings, gas sensors, thin film solid-oxide fuel cells, and photoelectrocatalytic solar cells. In the appendix detailed “cooking recipes” for selected material systems are offered.

Download or read book Towards Full Sputtering Deposition Process for CIGS Solar Cell Fabrication written by Boubakeur Ayachi and published by . This book was released on 2016 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Nowadays, and after more than four decades of research and development of the CIS based technology, a direct competition with silicon technology is still far from being won; however there exists some niche markets where the silicon technology cannot be used (flexible photovoltaic) or less favourable (BIPV). The current fabrication processes are still suffering from some drawbacks: (i) some of the used materials and/or techniques have a large environmental footprint (CBD-CdS/CBD-ZnSxO1-x), (ii) some developed alternatives are expensive (evaporated InxSy), (iii) the used techniques are not easily up scalable (evaporation) or based on the use of toxic atmospheres (Se based). This PhD work presents our strategy in moving towards a full sputtering process and in using only environmentally friendly materials. In this framework, we kept using standard material and process for the deposition of the back contact layer. We developed a new process for the deposition of the absorber layer which is based on pulsed DC-magnetron sputtering at room temperature from a single quaternary target without any additional selenium supply, followed by an annealing under inert atmosphere. We developed a room temperature sputtering process for the deposition of the ZnSxO1-x buffer layer. We also developed our appropriate pulsed DC and RF sputtering processes for the deposition of the window layer. Several characterisation techniques (XRD, SEM, FIB-SEM, EDX, Raman, SIMS, Hall Effect, GDOES, UV-Vis, and I-V) have been used to investigate the effect of deposition conditions on thin films properties as well as to characterize the final solar cells which best efficiency result is slightly under 12%.

Download or read book Metal Oxide Nanocomposite Thin Films for Optoelectronic Device Applications written by Rayees Ahmad Zargar and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2023-11-07 with total page 436 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: METAL OXIDE NANOCOMPOSITE THIN FILMS FOR OPTOELECTRONIC DEVICE APPLICATIONS The book provides insight into the fundamental aspects, latest research, synthesis route development, preparation, and future applications of metal oxide nanocomposite thin films. The fabrication of thin film-based materials is important to the future production of safe, efficient, and affordable energy as the devices convert sunlight into electricity. Thin film devices allow excellent interface engineering for high-performance printable solar cells as their structures are highly reliable and stand-alone systems can provide the required megawatts. They have been used as power sources in solar home systems, remote buildings, water pumping, megawatt-scale power plants, satellites, communications, and space vehicles. Metal Oxide Nanocomposite Thin Films for Optoelectronic Device Applications covers the basics of advanced nanometal oxide-based materials, their synthesis, characterization, and applications, and all the updated information on optoelectronics. Topics discussed include the implications of metal oxide thin films, which are critical for device fabrications. It provides updated information on the economic aspect and toxicity, with great focus paid to display applications, and covers some core areas of nanotechnology, which are particularly concerned with optoelectronics and the available technologies. The book concludes with insights into the role of nanotechnology and the physics behind photovoltaics. Audience The book will be an important volume for electronics and electrical engineers, nanotechnologists, materials scientists, inorganic chemists in academic research, and those in industries, exploring the applications of nanoparticles in semiconductors, power electronics, and more.