Polycrystalline thin-film solar cells - A review

This paper reviews recent progress in polycrystalline thin-film solar cell research and development. Results from both small area cells and larger area modules/submodules are discussed. Emphasis is given to results from deposition techniques with potential for fabrication of large-area cells of the type CdS/CdTe and CdS/Cu(In,Ga)Se-2. Small area high-efficiency cell results are discussed in terms of manufacturability issues for large-area cells. A discussion of recent successes in electrodeposition of high-quality absorbing layers of Cu(In,Ga)Se-2 is given. Hybrid approaches involving final adjustment of local and overall stoichiometries using post-deposition vacuum evaporation of selected substituent elements and thermal anneals are also discussed. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.