Characterization of Polycrystalline Thin-Film Solar Cells provides a comprehensive overview of the current state and characterization techniques of polycrystalline thin-film photovoltaics. With laboratory efficiencies exceeding 22% for cadmium telluride (CdTe), perovskites, and copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS), thin-film solar cells are now competitive with conventional energy sources, and CdTe and CIGS panels are produced at gigawatt scale. However, improving performance, stability, and cost-effectiveness remains an ongoing challenge.
This book equips researchers and manufacturers with the knowledge to understand efficiency, scaling, and degradation mechanisms and to leverage advanced characterization techniques to optimize solar modules and systems.
After an introductory chapter, the book provides in-depth coverage of:
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Strategies to improve CdTe solar cell performance
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Material properties of C(In,Ga)Se₂ and related compounds
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Perovskite solar cells
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Photovoltaic device modeling
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Luminescence and thermal imaging of thin-film materials, devices, and modules
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Spatially resolved spectroscopy for Cu₂ZnSnSe₄ cells
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Time-resolved photoluminescence of polycrystalline thin-film solar cells
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Electrical material and device spectroscopies
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Nanometer-scale characterization using atomic force microscopy-based probes
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Scanning transmission electron microscopy
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Photoelectron spectroscopy methods
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Time-of-flight secondary-ion mass spectrometry and atom probe tomography
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Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance for photovoltaic applications
The final chapter synthesizes insights from the characterization methods and explores future prospects for advancing thin-film solar cell technology.
This work is essential reading for researchers, materials scientists, and engineers engaged in the development, characterization, and optimization of thin-film photovoltaic systems.
