Advanced Characterization of Thin Film Solar Cells

Advanced Characterization of Thin Film Solar Cells
Author: Mowafak Al-Jassim
Publisher: Institution of Engineering and Technology
Total Pages: 457
Release: 2020-09-17
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 1839530235

Download Advanced Characterization of Thin Film Solar Cells Book in PDF, Epub and Kindle

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.

Advanced Characterization Techniques for Thin Film Solar Cells

Advanced Characterization Techniques for Thin Film Solar Cells
Author: Daniel Abou-Ras
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 775
Release: 2016-10-10
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3527339922

Download Advanced Characterization Techniques for Thin Film Solar Cells Book in PDF, Epub and Kindle

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.

Thin Film Solar Cells

Thin Film Solar Cells
Author: Jef Poortmans
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 502
Release: 2006-10-02
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9780470091272

Download Thin Film Solar Cells Book in PDF, Epub and Kindle

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.

Thin Film Solar Cells From Earth Abundant Materials

Thin Film Solar Cells From Earth Abundant Materials
Author: Subba Ramaiah Kodigala
Publisher: Newnes
Total Pages: 197
Release: 2013-11-14
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 0123971829

Download Thin Film Solar Cells From Earth Abundant Materials Book in PDF, Epub and Kindle

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

Advanced Characterization Techniques for Thin Film Solar Cells

Advanced Characterization Techniques for Thin Film Solar Cells
Author: Daniel Abou-Ras
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 760
Release: 2016-07-13
Genre: Science
ISBN: 352769904X

Download Advanced Characterization Techniques for Thin Film Solar Cells Book in PDF, Epub and Kindle

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.

Cu(In1-xGax)Se2 Based Thin Film Solar Cells

Cu(In1-xGax)Se2 Based Thin Film Solar Cells
Author: Subba Ramaiah Kodigala
Publisher: Academic Press
Total Pages: 700
Release: 2011-01-03
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0080920322

Download Cu(In1-xGax)Se2 Based Thin Film Solar Cells Book in PDF, Epub and Kindle

Cu(In1-xGax)Se2 Based Thin Film Solar Cells provides valuable contents about the fabrication and characterization of chalcopyrite Cu(In1-xGax)Se2 based thin film solar cells and modules. The growth of chalcopyrite Cu(In1-xGax)(S1-ySey)2 absorbers, buffers, window layers, antireflection coatings, and finally metallic grids, which are the sole components of solar cells, is clearly illustrated. The absorber, which contains multiple elements, segregates secondary phases if the growth conditions are not well optimized i.e., the main drawback in the fabrication of solar cells. More importantly the solutions for the growth of thin films are given in detail. The properties of all the individual layers and single crystals including solar cells analyzed by different characterization techniques such as SEM, AFM, XPS, AES, TEM, XRD, optical, photoluminescence, and Raman spectroscopy are explicitly demonstrated. The electrical analyses such as conductivities, Hall mobilities, deep level transient spectroscopy measurements etc., provide a broad picture to understand thin films or single crystals and their solar cells. The book clearly explains the working principle of energy conversion from solar to electrical with basic sciences for the chalcopyrite based thin film solar cells. Also, it demonstrates important criteria on how to enhance efficiency of the solar cells and modules. The effect of environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, aging etc., on the devices is mentioned by citing several examples. Illustrates a number of growth techniques to prepare thin film layers for solar cells Discusses characterization techniques such as XRD, TEM, XPS, AFM, SEM, PL, CL, Optical measurements, and Electrical measurements Includes I-V, C-V measurements illustrations Provides analysis of solar cell efficiency Presents current trends in thin film solar cells research and marketing

Electrical and Electronic Devices, Circuits, and Materials

Electrical and Electronic Devices, Circuits, and Materials
Author: Suman Lata Tripathi
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 608
Release: 2021-03-24
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 1119755085

Download Electrical and Electronic Devices, Circuits, and Materials Book in PDF, Epub and Kindle

The increasing demand for electronic devices for private and industrial purposes lead designers and researchers to explore new electronic devices and circuits that can perform several tasks efficiently with low IC area and low power consumption. In addition, the increasing demand for portable devices intensifies the call from industry to design sensor elements, an efficient storage cell, and large capacity memory elements. Several industry-related issues have also forced a redesign of basic electronic components for certain specific applications. The researchers, designers, and students working in the area of electronic devices, circuits, and materials sometimesneed standard examples with certain specifications. This breakthrough work presents this knowledge of standard electronic device and circuit design analysis, including advanced technologies and materials. This outstanding new volume presents the basic concepts and fundamentals behind devices, circuits, and systems. It is a valuable reference for the veteran engineer and a learning tool for the student, the practicing engineer, or an engineer from another field crossing over into electrical engineering. It is a must-have for any library.

Thin Films Photovoltaics

Thin Films Photovoltaics
Author: Beddiaf Zaidi
Publisher: BoD – Books on Demand
Total Pages: 114
Release: 2022-02-23
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 1839699051

Download Thin Films Photovoltaics Book in PDF, Epub and Kindle

Thin film photovoltaic-based solar modules produce power at a low cost per watt. They are ideal candidates for large-scale solar farms as well as building-integrated photovoltaic applications. They can generate consistent power, not only at elevated temperatures but also on cloudy, overcast days and at low sun angles.Thin film photovoltaics are second-generation solar cells produced by depositing one or more thin layers, or thin films, of photosensitive material on a suitable substrate such as glass, polymer, or metal. Thin film solar cells are based on various materials such as cadmium telluride (CdTe), copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS), and amorphous thin film silicon (a-Si, TF-Si) are commercially used in several conventional and advanced technologies.

Advanced Silicon Materials for Photovoltaic Applications

Advanced Silicon Materials for Photovoltaic Applications
Author: Sergio Pizzini
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 412
Release: 2012-06-07
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 1118312163

Download Advanced Silicon Materials for Photovoltaic Applications Book in PDF, Epub and Kindle

Today, the silicon feedstock for photovoltaic cells comes from processes which were originally developed for the microelectronic industry. It covers almost 90% of the photovoltaic market, with mass production volume at least one order of magnitude larger than those devoted to microelectronics. However, it is hard to imagine that this kind of feedstock (extremely pure but heavily penalized by its high energy cost) could remain the only source of silicon for a photovoltaic market which is in continuous expansion, and which has a cumulative growth rate in excess of 30% in the last few years. Even though reports suggest that the silicon share will slowly decrease in the next twenty years, finding a way to manufacture a specific solar grade feedstock in large quantities, at a low cost while maintaining the quality needed, still remains a crucial issue. Thin film and quantum confinement-based silicon cells might be a complementary solution. Advanced Silicon Materials for Photovoltaic Applications has been designed to describe the full potentialities of silicon as a multipurpose material and covers: Physical, chemical and structural properties of silicon Production routes including the promise of low cost feedstock for PV applications Defect engineering and the role of impurities and defects Characterization techniques, and advanced analytical techniques for metallic and non-metallic impurities Thin film silicon and thin film solar cells Innovative quantum effects, and 3rd generation solar cells With contributions from internationally recognized authorities, this book gives a comprehensive analysis of the state-of-the-art of process technologies and material properties, essential for anyone interested in the application and development of photovoltaics.

Solution-processed Photovoltaics with Advanced Characterization and Analysis

Solution-processed Photovoltaics with Advanced Characterization and Analysis
Author: Hsin-Sheng Duan
Publisher:
Total Pages: 118
Release: 2014
Genre:
ISBN:

Download Solution-processed Photovoltaics with Advanced Characterization and Analysis Book in PDF, Epub and Kindle

During the last few decades, numerous promising solar cell concepts, ranging from single-crystal silicon to thin-film technologies, have been developed and are being researched intensely by a growing number of scientific groups and companies. Thin-film kesterite Cu2ZnSn(S, Se)4 (CZTS) photovoltaic technology, in which the indium in Cu(In, Ga)(S, Se)2 (CIGS) is replaced with more abundant and less expensive zinc and tin, has emerged as a potential absorber material in next generation thin film solar cells. Despite the recent demonstration of solution-processed CZTS devices over 11% power conversion efficiency, the development of CZTS as an absorber material is still behind in terms of both fundamental understanding of the material system and in the capability to precisely control the material properties for device fabrication, as compared with those of CIGS and CdTe. This dissertation targets the three key areas in this field: (1) Defect characterization and understanding in order to recover Voc loss; (2) Phase stability and processing control to produce a purer absorber material and (3) Solution-processing with environmentally friendly solvents for large-scale production. We start by exploring various precursor systems (hydrazine, benign organic solvents and nanoparticles) and have successfully processed CZTS from a molecular solution in a benign solvent system. A single component precursor has also been developed and proved to offer more precise phase and composition control. Lastly, using electrical and optical characterization, we have conducted detailed investigations on the bulk and the interface defects that govern the carrier recombination and the resulting device characteristics. They reveal the effects of the anions in CZTS on the defect concentration and on voltage losses of the solar cells.