Spatially Resolved Characterization in Thin-Film Photovoltaics (eBook)

Preface 6
Acknowledgments 8
Contents 9
Abbreviations 12
1 Introduction 14
Abstract 14
1.1 Thin-Film Photovoltaics 14
1.2 Motivation for Spatially Resolved Characterisation 16
References 17
2 Theoretical Background 18
Abstract 18
2.1 Photovoltaic Device Operation and Performance Parameters 18
2.2 Luminescence 23
2.3 Reciprocity Relation 24
2.3.1 Thermal Equilibrium 24
2.3.2 Non-equilibrium 26
2.3.3 Usage and Validity 28
2.4 Summary 28
References 29
3 Spatially Resolved Characterisation Techniques 31
Abstract 31
3.1 Introduction 31
3.2 Optical Imaging 33
3.3 Beam Induced Techniques 34
3.4 Luminescence Imaging 36
3.4.1 Introduction 36
3.4.2 Setup 36
3.4.3 Image Acquisition 41
3.4.4 Image Interpretation 41
3.4.5 Image Processing 44
3.4.6 Towards Absolute Luminescence Evaluation 45
3.5 Thermal Imaging 46
3.6 Summary 47
References 48
4 SPICE Model and Simulations 52
Abstract 52
4.1 Introduction 52
4.2 Model 53
4.2.1 Introduction 53
4.2.2 Microcell 54
4.2.3 Cell 55
4.2.4 Module 55
4.3 Simulations 57
4.3.1 Introduction 57
4.3.2 Technique Specific Simulation Approaches 57
4.4 Modelling and Iterative Simulations 59
4.5 Summary 61
References 61
5 CdTe Solar Cells 63
Abstract 63
5.1 Introduction 63
5.1.1 Device Structure and Fabrication 64
5.1.2 Operation and Measurements 65
5.1.3 CdTe Solar Cell’s SPICE Model 65
5.2 Electroluminescence Properties 66
5.2.1 Back Contact Position Dependence 67
5.2.2 Forward Bias Current Dependence 69
5.2.3 Temperature Dependence 70
5.2.4 Extraction of Resistive Parameter Values 72
5.3 Summary 74
References 74
6 Dye-Sensitised Solar Cells 76
Abstract 76
6.1 Introduction 76
6.1.1 Device Structure and Fabrication 77
6.1.2 Operation and Measurements 78
6.2 Conversion Efficiency Inhomogeneities 81
6.2.1 Manufacturing Inhomogeneities 82
6.2.2 Other Inhomogeneities 83
6.2.3 Unknown Inhomogeneities 85
6.2.4 Summary 85
6.3 Ageing 86
6.4 Summary 87
References 87
7 Module Level Electroluminescence Imaging 89
Abstract 89
7.1 Introduction 89
7.1.1 Thin-Film Module Production 90
7.2 Examples 91
7.2.1 Crystalline Silicon PV Module 91
7.2.2 CIGS PV Module 93
7.2.3 CdTe PV Module 95
7.2.4 Amorphous Silicon PV Module 97
7.2.5 Micromorph Silicon PV Module 99
7.2.6 Flexible Triple Junction TF Si PV Module 101
7.3 Summary 102
References 103
8 Concluding Remarks and Outlook Trends 104
Abstract 104
References 106