Developments on CdS/CdTe photovoltaic panels at Photon Energy, Inc.

Abstract

Abstract Photon Energy, Inc. has been developing a prototype production line that produces 1 ft 2 and 4 ft 2 photovoltaic modules based on polycrystalline thin films of CdS and CdTe. A 1 ft 2 module has been measured at SERI with 7.3% aperture area and a corresponding output of 6.11 W. A 4 ft 2 module delivered to SERI is the largest known single substrate CdS/CdTe module in the world to date. Active area efficiency has increased from 6.1 to 8.1% on 1 ft 2 substrates delivered to SERI since June 1987. An efficiency of 12.3% has recently been achieved on a small cell (0.302 cm 2 area). Higher efficiencies (over 13%) are expected as a more transparent window layer is developed. Research and development efforts have focused on stability and efficiency issues. Areas studied include electroding, encapsulation, doping, small cell as well as 1 ft 2 and 4 ft 2 module performance optimization, and accelerated as well as real-time life testing.