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Thin Polycrystalline Silicon Solar Cells

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 November 2013

Allen M. Barnett,
Robert B. Hall and
James A. Rand
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Extract

Solar cells formed with thin silicon active layers (<100 μm thick) offer advantages over thick ingot-based devices. The advantages come in two forms: the first is the potential for higher conversion efficiency than that of conventional thick devices, and the second is a reduction in material requirements. The use of thin polycrystalline silicon for solar cells offers the potential of capturing the high performance of crystalline silicon while achieving the potential low cost of thin films. Experimental and theoretical studies initially uncovered the issues of grain size and thickness as limiting factors. Subsequent work added the issue of back-surface passivation. This article addresses the conditions required for the successful development of polycrystalline silicon into a high efficiency, low-cost, terrestrial product.

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Type
Materials for Photovoltaics
Information
MRS Bulletin , Volume 18 , Issue 10 , October 1993, pp. 33 - 37
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1993

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