CuInS2 based thin film solar cell with 10.2% efficiency

Abstract

Efficient solar energy conversion with CuInS2 thin films is reported. The copper-rich p-type absorber is prepared by thermal coevaporation. A copper to indium ratio between 1.0 and 1.8 can be tolerated with small (≤10%) solar-to-electrical conversion losses. Copper excess phases (CuS) are removed chemically. The cell structure glass/Mo/p-CuInS2/n-CdS/n+-ZnO/Al delivers 10.2% at simulated AM 1.5 conditions. The device properties are discussed based on its energy band diagram.