Flexible semi-transparent a-Si:H pin solar cells for functional energy-harvesting applications

Abstract

We report on the fabrication and characterization of penetration-type semi-transparent hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) pin solar cells on flexible plastic substrates. Device-grade solar cell layers were designed and fabricated at a maximum process temperature of 150 °C, which is suitable for plastic substrate application. The solar cell layers were characterized using electrical, structural, and optical measurements, while optical and electrical measurements were carried out for the solar cells along with mechanical durability test. The flexible semi-transparent a-Si:H solar cells showed an average visible range (500–800 nm) optical transmittance of 34.2% and a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of ∼5.0%. The fabricated solar cells also showed good flexibility and durability from rigid bending cycling test. The device performance demonstrated the effectiveness of semi-transparent a-Si:H solar cells enabling low-cost, light-weight functional energy-harvesting applications.