Advances in monocrystalline Si thin film solar cells by layer transfer

authored by
R. B. Bergmann, C. Berge, T. J. Rinke, J. Schmidt, J. H. Werner
Abstract

The transfer of monocrystalline Si films enables the fabrication of efficient thin film solar cells on glass or plastic foils. Chemical vapor deposition serves to epitaxially deposit Si on quasi-monocrystalline Si films obtained from thermal crystallization of a double-layer porous Si film on a Si wafer. A separation layer that forms during this crystallization process allows one to separate the epitaxial layer on top of the quasi-monocrystalline film from the starting Si wafer after solar cell processing. Independently confirmed thin film solar cell efficiencies are 15.4% and 16.6% for thin film solar cells transferred to a glass superstrate with a total Si film thickness of 24.5 and 46.5μm, respectively, and a cell area of 4cm2. Device simulations indicate an efficiency potential above 20%.

External Organisation(s)
University of Stuttgart
Type
Article
Journal
Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells
Volume
74
Pages
213-218
No. of pages
6
ISSN
0927-0248
Publication date
10.2002
Publication status
Published
Peer reviewed
Yes
ASJC Scopus subject areas
Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials, Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment, Surfaces, Coatings and Films
Sustainable Development Goals
SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy
Electronic version(s)
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0927-0248(02)00070-3 (Access: Closed)