Abstract
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) supports research activities in polycrystalline thin films through the Polycrystalline Thin-Film Program at the Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI). This program includes research and development (R&D) in both copper indium diselenide and cadmium telluride thin films for photovoltaic applications. The objective of this program is to support R&D ofphotovoltaic cells and modules that meet the DOE long-term goals of high efficiency (15%-20% ), low cost ($50/m2), and reliability (30-year lifetime). Research carried out in this area is receiving increased recognition due to important advances in polycrystalline thin-film CulnSe2 and CdTe solar cells and modules. These have become the leading thin-film materials for photovoltaics in terms ofefficiency and stability. DOE has recognized this potential through a competitive initiative for the development of CuInSe2 and CdTe modules. This paper focuses on the recent progress and future directions of the Polycrystalline Thin-Film Program and the status of the subcontracted research on these promising photovoltaic materials.
| Original language | American English |
|---|---|
| Number of pages | 9 |
| State | Published - 1990 |
| Event | ASME/JSME/JSES Joint Thermal Engineering and Solar Energy Conference - Reno, Nevada Duration: 17 Mar 1991 → 22 Mar 1991 |
Conference
| Conference | ASME/JSME/JSES Joint Thermal Engineering and Solar Energy Conference |
|---|---|
| City | Reno, Nevada |
| Period | 17/03/91 → 22/03/91 |
Bibliographical note
Prepared for the ASME/JSME/JSES Joint Thermal Engineering and Solar Energy Conference, 17-22 March 1991, Reno, NevadaNREL Publication Number
- NREL/TP-211-4061
Keywords
- cadmium telluride (CdTe) photovoltaic solar cells modules
- copper indium diselenide (CIS)
- polycrystalline thin films
