Open AccessLightweight and low‐cost thin film photovoltaics for large area extra‐terrestrial applications
Author(s) -
Lamb Daniel Ash,
Irvine Stuart J.C.,
Clayton Andrew James,
Barrioz Vincent,
Kartopu Giray,
Baker Mark A.,
Underwood C.I.,
Grilli Rossana,
Kimber Rick,
Hall James
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
iet renewable power generation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.005
H-Index - 76
ISSN - 1752-1424
DOI - 10.1049/iet-rpg.2014.0368
Subject(s) - materials science , photovoltaics , sheet resistance , thermal shock , optoelectronics , thin film , aluminium , photovoltaic system , doping , composite material , layer (electronics) , nanotechnology , electrical engineering , engineering
This work describes progress towards achieving a flexible, high specific power and low‐cost photovoltaic (PV) for emerging large area space applications. The study reports the highest conversion efficiency of 15.3% AM1.5G for a CdTe device on ultra‐thin cerium‐doped cover glass, the standard protective material for extra‐terrestrial PVs. The deposition technique used for all of the semiconductor layers comprising the device structure was atmospheric pressure metal organic chemical vapour deposition. Improvements to the device structure over those previously reported led to a V oc of 788 mV and a relatively low series resistance of 3.3 Ω·cm 2 . These were largely achieved by the introduction of a post‐growth air anneal and a refinement of the front contact bus bars, respectively. The aluminium‐doped zinc oxide transparent conductive oxide, being the first layer applied to the cover glass, was subject to thermal shock cycling +80 to (−) 196°C to test the adhesion under the extreme conditions likely to be encountered for space application. Scotch Tape testing and sheet resistance measurements before and after the thermal shock testing demonstrated that the aluminium‐doped zinc oxide remained well adhered to the cover glass and its electrical performance unchanged.