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Improved Monolithic Photovoltaic-Electrochromic Devices Incorporating an a-SiC:H Solar Cell

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 February 2011

John N. Bullock ,
Clemens Bechinger ,
Yueqin Xu ,
David K. Benson  and
Howard M. Branz
John N. Bullock
Affiliation:
National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 1617 Cole Blvd., Golden, CO, 80401.
Clemens Bechinger
Affiliation:
National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 1617 Cole Blvd., Golden, CO, 80401.
Yueqin Xu
Affiliation:
National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 1617 Cole Blvd., Golden, CO, 80401.
David K. Benson
Affiliation:
National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 1617 Cole Blvd., Golden, CO, 80401.
Howard M. Branz
Affiliation:
National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 1617 Cole Blvd., Golden, CO, 80401.
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Abstract

In the tandem photovoltaic-electrochromic (PV-EC) device, a wide-gap, semitransparent, amorphous silicon-carbon alloy (a-SiC:H) photovoltaic device and an electrochromic optical transmittance modulator (EC device) are deposited sequentially to form a monolithic device on a single substrate. This device can be used as a “smart” window for active control of daylighting and building cooling load without an external electrical connection.

Last year we reported preliminary results on our development of a semi-transparent PV cell incorporating an a-SiC:H i-layer. Here we report our recent progress on the semitransparent PV component of a PV-EC device and development of a Li-based EC device that colors at voltages below 0.9 V. Finally, we discuss both recent progress and difficulties in integrating the two devices on one substrate.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 420: Symposium A – Amorphous Silicon Technology-1996 , 1996 , 183
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1996

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