Hostname: page-component-586b7cd67f-rdxmf Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-24T17:25:45.041Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Optimal Design of a CIGS Module Grid

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 September 2011

Yiyang Li
Affiliation:
Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering, Needham, MA, 02492, USA
Shihang Yang
Affiliation:
Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, N.T., Hong Kong
Xieqiu Zhang
Affiliation:
Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, N.T., Hong Kong
Xudong Xiao
Affiliation:
Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, N.T., Hong Kong
Get access

Abstract

Solar cells based on Cu(In, Ga)Se2 (CIGS) have made significant strides in the past decades with a record efficiency of over 20% [1]. A problem with CIGS modules is the high resistive losses along the transparent top contact. One solution is to deposit highly-conductive metal grids to collect the current. We use finite-element analysis to determine the effectiveness of the metal grid under a variety of parameters. We identify the resistance of the top contact and the width of the scribes as the most important factors in determining whether a metal grid would present a significant efficiency gain. Using the same model, we also investigate methods to optimize the design of the grid.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2011

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

REFERENCES

1. “ZSW raises its thin-film solar cell efficiency record to 20.3%,” Semiconductor Today, 23 Aug 2010, Accessed: 9 Oct 2010Google Scholar
2. Kessler, J., Wennerberg, J., Bodegaerd, M., Stolt, L., Sol. Energy Mater. Sol. Cells., 75, 12, 35-46(2003).Google Scholar
3. Wennerberg, J., Kessler, J., Stolt, L., Sol. Energy Mater. Sol. Cells., 75, 12, 47-55(2003).Google Scholar
4. Lammer, M., Klemm, U., Powalla, M., Thin Solid Films, 387, 12, 33-36(2001).Google Scholar
5. Johansson, J., “Modeling and Optimizing of CIGS Solar Cell Modules,” Master’s Thesis: Uppsala University, Dec 2007.Google Scholar
6. Scofield, J.H., Duda, A., Albin, D., Ballard, B.L., Predecki, P.K., Thin Solid Films, 260(1), 2631, 1995 Google Scholar