Novel reflective layer allowing a control of the quality of the microcrystalline solar cell in thin film Micromorph devices

• Research unit: INNOSUISSE
• Project number: 12614.1;11 PFIW-IW

Short description (English)

Novel reflective layer allowing a control of the quality of the microcrystalline solar cell in thin film Micromorph devices

Short description (French)

Novel reflective layer allowing a control of the quality of the microcrystalline solar cell in thin film Micromorph devices

Abstract (English)

In thin film photovoltaic, the tandem Micromorph structure allows the utilization of a wider range of the solar spectra as compared to an amorphous single junction cell. However, the growth of the microcrystalline silicon on the textured amorphous top cell often leads to layers having cracks and finally to shunts in the bottom cell. The present project aims to create an innovative smoothening reflective layer SRL that will be inserted between the top and bottom cell of a Micromorph tandem device deposited on as-grown thick highly textured LPCVD ZnO layer. The manufacturing of the SRL layer is proposed using inventive liquid phase deposition technologies. The final goal is to obtain a proof of concept that such layer can push the stable efficiency of Micromorph device towards 13%.

Abstract (French)

In thin film photovoltaic, the tandem Micromorph structure allows the utilization of a wider range of the solar spectra as compared to an amorphous single junction cell. However, the growth of the microcrystalline silicon on the textured amorphous top cell often leads to layers having cracks and finally to shunts in the bottom cell. The present project aims to create an innovative smoothening reflective layer SRL that will be inserted between the top and bottom cell of a Micromorph tandem device deposited on as-grown thick highly textured LPCVD ZnO layer. The manufacturing of the SRL layer is proposed using inventive liquid phase deposition technologies. The final goal is to obtain a proof of concept that such layer can push the stable efficiency of Micromorph device towards 13%.