Abstract
This paper describes the technological status of and some challenges in the manufacturing of Cu(In,Ga)Se 2 (CIGS)-based solar cells on flexible polymer and metal substrates. Substrate characteristics such as thermal expansion properties and stability, surface roughness, or substrate composition, strongly influence growth and properties of the following layers. For example, adhesion failure, cracking, or contamination by diffusion of impurities from the substrate may occur with some substrates. Aspects of (external) sodium incorporation into CIGS are discussed for high and low CIGS deposition temperature. Low-temperature deposition processes are particularly important when polyimide substrates are used. The electrical insulation of metal foils by dielectric barriers (e.g. SiO x or Al 2O 3) allows the fabrication of monolithically integrated modules. A soft and selective patterning technique based on laser scribing and mask-free photolithography is described. Working modules as large as 20 cm × 30 cm were achieved with these methods.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
