DOIT: Development of an optimized integrated thin film silicon solar module

• Research unit: EU RFP
• Project number: 00.0337

Key words (English)

Thin-film silicon; solar cells; solar modules; plasma deposition; TCO; modelling; module integration;
Economic Aspects; Energy Saving; Renewable Sources of Energy

Alternative project number (English)

EU project number: ENK6-2000-00321

Research programs (English)

EU-programme: 5. Frame Research Programme - 1.4b.2 Economic and efficient energy for a competitive Europe

Short description (English)

See abstract

Partners and International Organizations (English)

Coordinator: University of Patras, Research Committee (EL)

Abstract (English)

This project aims at the development of an innovative silicon thin film solar module, exhibiting a stabilised active area efficiency of 11% on a substrate size of 30x30 cm2. The device consists of an amorphous silicon/microcrystalline silicon tandem solar cell (micromorph cell) prepared on a low cost TCO coated glass substrate. In view of industrial production, a deposition rate of at least4 angstrom/s will be achieved for the intrinsic layer of the c-Si:H bottom cell. Besides the scale-up of state-of-the-art small area micromorph cells prepared by Very High Frequency Glow Discharge, an alternative approach will be followed using lower excitation frequencies, which are more compatible with current a-Si:H production technology. The developments include the module fabrication technology and efficient light trapping schemes. Appropriate characterisation techniques and implementation of advanced plasma control tools will ensure a successful scale-up.

References in databases (English)

Swiss Database: Euro-DB of the
State Secretariat for Education and Research
Hallwylstrasse 4
CH-3003 Berne, Switzerland
Tel. [phone]
Swiss Project-Number: 00.0337