Progress in thin film CIGS photovoltaics – Research and development, manufacturing, and applications. (3rd October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Feurer, Thomas; Reinhard, Patrick; Avancini, Enrico; Bissig, Benjamin; Löckinger, Johannes; Fuchs, Peter; Carron, Romain; Weiss, Thomas Paul; Perrenoud, Julian; Stutterheim, Stephan; Buecheler, Stephan; Tiwari, Ayodhya N.
• Is Part Of: Progress in photovoltaics. Volume 25:Number 7(2017)
• Page Start: 645
• Page End: 667
• Publication Date: 2016-10-03
• Subjects: CIGS -- solar cells -- review -- alkaline -- tandem -- grading -- buffer -- passivation; Solar cells -- Periodicals; Photovoltaic cells -- Periodicals; Solar power plants -- Periodicals; 621.31245
• DOI: 10.1002/pip.2811
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1062-7995

Abstract

Abstract: This review summarizes the current status of Cu(In, Ga)(S, Se)2 (CIGS) thin film solar cell technology with a focus on recent advancements and emerging concepts intended for higher efficiency and novel applications. The recent developments and trends of research in laboratories and industrial achievements communicated within the last years are reviewed, and the major developments linked to alkali post deposition treatment and composition grading in CIGS, surface passivation, buffer, and transparent contact layers are emphasized. Encouraging results have been achieved for CIGS‐based tandem solar cells and for improvement in low light device performance. Challenges of technology transfer of lab's record high efficiency cells to average industrial production are obvious from the reported efficiency values. One section is dedicated to development and opportunities offered by flexible and lightweight CIGS modules. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Abstract : In this review, the recent developments and trends of research in laboratories and industrial achievements communicated within the last years are reviewed. The major developments linked to alkali post deposition treatment and composition grading in Cu(In, Ga)(S, Se)2 (CIGS), surface passivation, buffer, and transparent contact layers are emphasized. Future concepts as for example CIGS‐based tandem solar cells and improvements in low light device performance are discussed, and some challenges of the technology transfer from lab to industry are investigated.