What is thin film photovoltaic (PV)?

Thin film photovoltaic (PV) technologies often utilize monolithic integration to combine cells into modules. This is an approach whereby thin, electronically-active layers are deposited onto inexpensive substrates (e.g. glass) and then interconnected cells are formed by subsequent back contact processes and scribing.

Are CdTe solar modules the highest-production thin film photovoltaic technology?

14. Conclusions and outlook Herein we have reviewed the developments in the cell technology that has enabled CdTe solar modules to emerge as the highest-production thin film photovoltaic technology.

When was photovoltaic effect first observed?

The photovoltaic effect in II-VI compounds with 6% efficiency was first observed in what were later recognized to be CdS/Cu 2-x S heterojunctions in 1954 (interestingly, this is the same year Bell Labs announced 6% crystalline Si cells as “solar batteries”) [49, 50].

What is a CdTe thin film solar cell?

CdTe thin film solar cells grew out of these II-VI semiconductor beginnings, in-parallel with CdS efforts at General Electric and the US Air Force, as Loferski had realized that the CdTe bandgap was well-matched to the solar spectrum.

What are the benchmarks for CdTe thin film solar cells?

Today's benchmarks for CdTe thin film solar cell and module performance are defined by First Solar, with certified record cell PCE = 22.1 ± 0.5% and module aperture area PCE = 19.5% [1, 58]. The 22.1% record cell device parameters are V OC = 0.887 V, J SC = 31.69 mA/cm 2, and FF = 78.5% .

Are CD and Te photovoltaics a good use?

In this sense, the use of Cd and Te as CdTe photovoltaics represents a very good use for these derivatives of primary metal production that would otherwise be released to the environment or require managed sequestration.