Determining the decomposition voltage of Cu(In_1-xGa_x)Se₂

Partial shading of CIGS modules can lead to permanent damage of the module in the shaded area. This is caused by harmful reverse bias voltages in the shaded area which lead to reverse bias induced defects, also known as wormlike defects. A lot is already known about the origin and propagation of wormlike defects. However, the fundamental...

Advanced Light Management in Thin-Film Solar Cells

The coming years will see humanity facing significant challenges to ensure its continued survival. The threat of global warming to humans and the environment – exacerbated by rapidly growing population and energy demand – requires quick and decisive actions. Among them, increasing the generation of electricity from renewable resources is...

Propagation mechanism of reverse bias induced defects in Cu(In,Ga)Se₂ solar cells

Partial shading of monolithically interconnected Cu(In,Ga)Se₂ (CIGSe) modules can lead to the formation of reverse bias induced defects. These localized defects permanently reduce the output of the PV module. The formation and propagation mechanisms of these defects is studied. Understanding these mechanisms can help to prevent or...

How the absorber thickness influences the formation of reverse bias induced defects in CIGS solar cells

When a PV module is partially shaded, the shaded solar cells operate in a reverse bias condition. For Cu(In,Ga)Se2 cells this condition can cause defects that irreversibly reduce the output of these cells and the full module. In order to design robust shade-tolerant CIGS modules details need to be known of the conditions at which these...

Positron Annihilation Studies on Thin Film Solar Cells: CdSe and PbSe Quantum Dot Thin Films and Cu(In1-xGax)Se2 Layered Systems

High efficiency, low cost, and long stability are three key factors for the wide application of photovoltaics (PV) which are currently intensively studied in order to meet the increasing global renewable energy demand. Currently, the PV market is mainly based on silicon. However, solar cells based on silicon may not be capable to meet the long...

Advanced light management techniques for two-terminal hybrid tandem solar cells

Multi-junction solar cells are considered for various applications, as they tackle various loss mechanisms for single junction solar cells. These losses include thermalization and non-absorption below the band gap. In this work, a tandem configuration comprising copper-indium-gallium-di-selenide (CIGS) and hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si...

Degradation of CIGS solar cells

Thin film CIGS solar cells and individual layers within these solar cells have been tested in order to assess their long term stability. Alongside with the execution of standard tests, in which elevated temperatures and humidity levels are used, the solar cells have also been exposed to a combination of elevated temperature and humidity and...