A review of thin film solar cell technologies and challenges

Taesoo D. Lee and Abasifreke U. Ebong

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2017, vol. 70, issue C, 1286-1297

Abstract: Thin film solar cells are favorable because of their minimum material usage and rising efficiencies. The three major thin film solar cell technologies include amorphous silicon (α-Si), copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS), and cadmium telluride (CdTe). In this paper, the evolution of each technology is discussed in both laboratory and commercial settings, and market share and reliability are equally explored. The module efficiencies of CIGS and CdTe technologies almost rival that of crystalline solar cells, which currently possess greater than 55% of the market share. α-Si is plagued with low efficiency and light-induced degradation, so it is almost extinct in terrestrial applications. CIGS and CdTe hold the greatest promise for the future of thin film. Longevity, reliability, consumer confidence and greater investments must be established before thin film solar cells are explored on building integrated photovoltaic systems.

Keywords: Thin film solar cell; Amorphous silicon (α-Si); CdTe; CIGS (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (26)

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DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2016.12.028

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