Solution-deposited CIGS thin films for ultra-low-cost photovoltaics

Louay A. Eldada; Peter Hersh; Billy J. Stanbery

doi:10.1117/12.878879

8 September 2010 Solution-deposited CIGS thin films for ultra-low-cost photovoltaics

Louay A. Eldada, Peter Hersh, Billy J. Stanbery

Proceedings Volume 7771, Thin Film Solar Technology II; 77710I (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.878879
Event: SPIE Solar Energy + Technology, 2010, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

We describe the production of photovoltaic modules with high-quality large-grain copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) thin films obtained with the unique combination of low-cost ink-based precursors and a reactive transfer printing method. The proprietary metal-organic inks contain a variety of soluble Cu-, In- and Ga- multinary selenide materials; they are called metal-organic decomposition (MOD) precursors, as they are designed to decompose into the desired precursors. Reactive transfer is a two-stage process that produces CIGS through the chemical reaction between two separate precursor films, one deposited on the substrate and the other on a printing plate in the first stage. In the second stage, these precursors are rapidly reacted together under pressure in the presence of heat. The use of two independent thin films provides the benefits of independent composition and flexible deposition technique optimization, and eliminates pre-reaction prior to the synthesis of CIGS. In a few minutes, the process produces high quality CIGS films, with large grains on the order of several microns, and preferred crystallographic orientation, as confirmed by compositional and structural analysis by XRF, SIMS, SEM and XRD. Cell efficiencies of 14% and module efficiencies of 12% were achieved using this method. The atmospheric deposition processes include slot die extrusion coating, ultrasonic atomization spraying, pneumatic atomization spraying, inkjet printing, direct writing, and screen printing, and provide low capital equipment cost, low thermal budget, and high throughput.

Citation Download Citation

Louay A. Eldada, Peter Hersh, and Billy J. Stanbery "Solution-deposited CIGS thin films for ultra-low-cost photovoltaics", Proc. SPIE 7771, Thin Film Solar Technology II, 77710I (8 September 2010); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.878879

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