Amorphous Silicon Materials and Solar Cells: Progress and Directions

摘要

In 1978, the US Department of Energy initiated government sponsored research in amorphous materials and thin film solar cells. The program was subsequently transferred to the Solar Energy Research Institute for program management. The program grew into a major program for the development of high efficiency (10% goal), cost effective (15 to 40 cents per peak watt) thin film amorphous solar cells. The present international interest, the substantial progress made in the device area (2% PIN cell in 1976 to 10% PIN cell in 1982), and the marketing of the first consumer products using thin film solar cells are to a large extent a consequence of this goal oriented program. The program's status is summarized, particularly as regards a-Si deposition and properties, and cell properties and improvements. (ERA citation 08:009528)