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Advances in amorphous silicon alloy technology—the achievement of high‐efficiency multijunction solar cells and modules
Author(s) -
Yang Jeffrey C.
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
progress in photovoltaics: research and applications
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.286
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1099-159X
pISSN - 1062-7995
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1099-159x(199805/06)6:3<181::aid-pip220>3.0.co;2-a
Subject(s) - photovoltaic system , amorphous silicon , renewable energy , engineering physics , silicon , materials science , amorphous solid , alloy , environmental science , optoelectronics , nanotechnology , electrical engineering , engineering , crystalline silicon , metallurgy , chemistry , organic chemistry
Thin‐film amorphous silicon alloy technology has emerged as a strong contender for providing low‐cost photovoltaic products to meet the energy needs of the 21st century. World record 14·6% initial and 13·0% stable active‐area conversion efficiencies have been achieved for small‐area solar cells in our laboratory using a spectral‐splitting, triple‐junction structure. This 0·25‐cm 2 device exhibited a total‐area efficiency of 12·0%, as confirmed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Key factors leading to this achievement will be discussed. We have also demonstrated a 10·2% stable module efficiency for a one‐square‐foot area. A state‐of‐the‐art, continuous roll‐to‐roll production line with an annual capacity of 5 MW has been built and started production. Building‐integrated photovoltaic applications are being demonstrated worldwide. Public awareness of environmental and ecological issues has provided a great opportunity for the maturing thin‐film amorphous silicon alloy technology to demonstrate its viability as a major alternate energy source. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.