Materials Today · 2003 · 286 citations · 9 references
EngineeringElectrical EngineeringMaterials ScienceEnergy MaterialsOptoelectronicsSemiconductor MaterialsPhotovoltaic DevicesPhotovoltaic MaterialsSolar Cell MaterialsSolar CellsSolar Photovoltaic SystemsSolar RadiationHeterojunction Solar CellsHot Carrier Solar CellsLight-absorbing LayersMulti-junction Solar CellsPhotovoltaic SystemsSolar Cell Device PhysicsSolar Spectrum Conversion
The photovoltaics industry, dominated by silicon wafer-based first-generation modules, is shifting toward thin-film technologies; second-generation thin films offer cost advantages through reduced material use and large-area processing, yet material costs are expected to dominate even with these advances. The study aims to develop third-generation high-efficiency thin-film photovoltaics that double or triple current 15–20% conversion efficiencies to further reduce costs. The authors explore tandem cells and other integrated approaches as exemplars of third-generation thin-film technologies.
While the photovoltaics industry is currently dominated by silicon wafer-based first technology, there is a clear move towards thin-film technology. Second generation technology has significant cost advantages over wafer-based modules, due to reduced materials usage and large-area processing. Even with second generation technology, however, materials costs are likely to eventually dominate. To further reduce cost, a third-generation of high efficiency thin-film technology will be necessary, with energy conversion efficiencies double or triple the 15 to 20% presently targeted. Tandem cells are the best known example of such approaches, but a range of more integrated approaches is possible, as described in this paper.
9