Processing Issues for Thin Film CdTe/CdS Solar Cells

    Research output: Contribution to conferencePaper

    Abstract

    Processing options addressing critical issues associated with fabrication of high efficiency thin film CdTe/CdS solar cells are presented. Particular focus is given to methods for: minimizing CdS loss duirng CdCl2 heat treatment; obtaining high open circuit voltages; obtaining spatially uniform properties; and forming ohmic contacts. Data is presented for cells deposited by physical vapordeposition (PVD) which demonstrates that CdS loss can be overcome by use of CdTe1-xSx absorer layers and by controlling the delivery of CdCl2 vapor species during heat treatment. The CdCl2 vapor treatments are shown to produce residue-free surfaces and uniform film properties which leads to uniform cell performance. State of the art open circuit voltages (>850 mV) are obtained with PVD cells byperforming a short high temperature anneal prior to CdCl2 treatment. Low resistance contacts using diffused Cu doping followed by surface etching are demonstrated on CdTe/CdS thin films deposited by five methods.
    Original languageAmerican English
    Pages647-654
    Number of pages8
    StatePublished - 1997
    EventNREL/SNL Photovoltaics Program Review: 14th Conference - Lakewood, Colorado
    Duration: 18 Nov 199622 Nov 1996

    Conference

    ConferenceNREL/SNL Photovoltaics Program Review: 14th Conference
    CityLakewood, Colorado
    Period18/11/9622/11/96

    Bibliographical note

    Work performed by University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware

    NREL Publication Number

    • NREL/CP-23743

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Processing Issues for Thin Film CdTe/CdS Solar Cells'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this