Thin Film Photovoltaics

Sundaram, Senthilarasu; Shanks, Katie; Upadhyaya, Hari

Abstract

Thin film solar cell technology has recently seen some radical advancement as a result of new materials and innovations in device structures. The increase in the efficiency of thin film solar cells and perovskite into 23% mark has created significant attention in the photovoltaic market, particularly in the integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) field. The efficiency increase in perovskite solar cells has significantly increased the potential thin film PVs, to become a low cost alternative for commercially available solar cell technologies. However, the main challenges for thin film technologies, including perovskite solar cells, are their stability and toxicity involved in the manufacturing process. An attempt has been made to report on the developments into thin film materials and the efficiencies achieved. Key deposition and growth techniques and challenges are also reported in this chapter.

Citation

Sundaram, S., Shanks, K., & Upadhyaya, H. (2018). Thin Film Photovoltaics. In T. M. Letcher, & V. M. Fthenakis (Eds.), A Comprehensive Guide to Solar Energy Systems (361-370). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/c2016-0-01527-9

• Online Publication Date: May 25, 2018
• Publication Date: 2018
• Deposit Date: Feb 27, 2023
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Pages: 361-370
• Book Title: A Comprehensive Guide to Solar Energy Systems
• ISBN: 9780128114797
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/c2016-0-01527-9
• Keywords: amorphous silicon, CdTe PV, CIGS PV, flexible solar cells, perovskite solar cells, thin film PV