Investigation of CdS Thin-Film Solar Cells
Abstract
Research and development of front wall, thin film, flexible, light weight CdS solar cells was continued and decided improvements have been accomplished. A one square foot array shows a power to weight ratio of about 35.0 watts/lb. with an overall area utilization factor of over 0.80. A new chemical barrier formation process was developed providing higher cell efficiencies. Exposure of cells to electron, proton and Cobalt 60 radiation show little or no damage. Studies on the formation of the CdS layer indicate a higher degree of preferred orientation and crystallite size as the substrate temperature increases. Crystallites of 100 micron dimension were observed. Optical measurements on the p-layer confirm the conclusion that the barrier layer is a highly conducting copper sulfide. Overlayers of SiO deposited on the cell decrease the rate of water vapor degradation, but mechanical imperfections restrict the thickness of the deposited layer. Theoretical analysis of the experimental data show serious and probably insurmountable problems with application of either a surface state or trap model for the CdS solar cell.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0613187