THIN FILM PHOTOVOLTAIC CELL ARRAY INVESTIGATION.
Abstract
A twenty-month investigation was conducted on thin film cadmium telluride photovoltaic cells and arrays involving basic and applied materials research, film growth, module fabrication and array concept design study. Spectral response measurements were made to determine the intrinsic effects of 125 C heat treatment and electron irradiation on single crystals and polycrystalline films. Long term stability tests on CdTe cells stored under ambient environment have shown changes in Isc of -0.36% per month and Pmax changes of -0.18% per month when measured over time periods up to 32 months. Process optimization resulted in cells, fabricated on a reproducible basis, with efficiency range of 4.0-5.0%. A successful feasibility study was made wherein a large area array segment was fabricated with the individual cells simultaneously interconnected in series by thin film techniques. The use of platinum as the barrier in place of the usual Cu(+) gave promise of considerable improvement in cell stability at high temperatures (e.g. 125 C). Efficiencies as high as 4% were obtained. A 28 volt module, together with a deployment array concept demonstration section, were built and delivered to the AFAPL. A 1-40 KW power array design study utilizing thin film CdTe cells was conducted. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0813519
Entities
People
- F. A. Blake
- G. D. Ferguson Jr.
- R. E. Halsted
- R. W. Aldrich
Organizations
- General Electric