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CIGS Thin Film Photovoltaic—Approaches and Challenges

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High-Efficient Low-Cost Photovoltaics

Part of the book series: Springer Series in Optical Sciences ((SSOS,volume 140))

Abstract

After a short overview of the historical development of the Cu(In, Ga)Se2 (CIGS) thin film solar cell and its special features, we give an overview of the deposition and optimization of the p-type CIGS absorber as well as the subsequent n-type buffer layer and the molybdenum back contact. Developments to increase efficiency by optimizing the implemented bandgap grading via the local gallium content as well as the specific doping of the CIGS absorber by means of various alkali elements deepen the understanding. Finally, modern approaches to monolithic cell interconnection are discussed, e.g. via the use of modern ultra-short pulse lasers. Numerous literature references enable the reader to gain an even deeper insight if required.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    RoHS: Acronym for Restriction on the use of certain Hazardous Substances.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. ZSW – Zentrum für Sonnenenergie- und Wasserstoff-Forschung Baden-Württemberg, Meitnerstr. 1, 70563, Stuttgart, Germany

    F. Kessler, D. Hariskos, S. Spiering, E. Lotter & R. Wuerz

  2. Laserzentrum Hochschule München, Fakultät für angewandte Wissenschaften und Mechatronik, Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften München, Lothstr. 34, 80335, Munich, Germany

    H. P. Huber

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  1. F. Kessler
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  1. Gate East, Garching, Germany

    Vesselinka Petrova-Koch

  2. University of Hannover, Pullach, Germany

    Rudolf Hezel

  3. Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy System, Freiburg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany

    Adolf Goetzberger

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Kessler, F., Hariskos, D., Spiering, S., Lotter, E., Huber, H.P., Wuerz, R. (2020). CIGS Thin Film Photovoltaic—Approaches and Challenges. In: Petrova-Koch, V., Hezel, R., Goetzberger, A. (eds) High-Efficient Low-Cost Photovoltaics. Springer Series in Optical Sciences, vol 140. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-22864-4_9

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