Flexible CdTe solar cells and modules: challenges and prospects

J. Perrenoud; S. Buecheler; A. N. Tiwari

doi:10.1117/12.828225

20 August 2009 Flexible CdTe solar cells and modules: challenges and prospects

J. Perrenoud, S. Buecheler, A. N. Tiwari

Proceedings Volume 7409, Thin Film Solar Technology; 74090L (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.828225
Event: SPIE Solar Energy + Technology, 2009, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Thin film CdTe/CdS solar modules are currently the most promising photovoltaic technology for cost efficient solar electricity production. Solar modules on glass substrate with more than 10% efficiency are already available on the market. Substituting a flexible substrate material for the rigid and heavy glass will further reduce production costs due to manufacturing advantages and will allow novel applications due to product advantages. In this paper we are presenting the development of CdTe/CdS thin film solar cells with ZnO based TCO on commercially available polyimide. The polyimide is coated with Al doped ZnO as front electrical contact followed by a highly transparent and resistive ZnO buffer layer. Highest efficiency of 12.4% was achieved on 7.5 μm thin polyimide with 823 mV open circuit voltage, 19.6 mA/cm² short circuit current density and 76.5% fill factor. Using 12.5 μm thick polyimide as substrate reduces the current density of the device by approximately 5%. No cracks in the layers or adhesion problems of the solar cell structure on the polyimide are observed even when rolled to small radius of curvatures (few mm).

Citation Download Citation

J. Perrenoud, S. Buecheler, and A. N. Tiwari "Flexible CdTe solar cells and modules: challenges and prospects", Proc. SPIE 7409, Thin Film Solar Technology, 74090L (20 August 2009); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.828225

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