Optimization of Processing and Modeling Issues for Thin-Film Solar Cell Devices: Final Report, 3 February 1997 - 1 September 1998

This final report describes results achieved under a 20-month NREL subcontract to develop and understand thin-film solar cell technology associated to CuInSe2 and related alloys, a-Si and its alloys, and CdTe. Modules based on all these thin films are promising candidates to meet DOE's long-range efficiency, reliability and manufacturing cost goals. The critical issues being addressed under thisprogram are intended to provide the science and engineering basis for the development of viable commercial processes and to improve module performance. The generic research issues addressed are: 1) quantitative analysis of processing steps to provide information for efficient commercial-scale equipment design and operation; 2) device characterization relating the device performance to materialsproperties and process conditions; 3) development of alloy materials with different bandgaps to allow improved device structures for stability and compatibility with module design; 4) development and improved window/heterojunction layers and contacts to improve device performance and reliability; and 5) evaluation of cell stability with respect to device structure and module encapsulation.