CdTe mini-modules characterization and photovoltaic performance under outdoors conditions

Polycrystalline CdTe thin films deposited in large areas present some difficulties, such as non-uniformity over the entire area. It is well known that the ratio between the thickness and grain size of CdTe thin films is approximately one. In contrast, the pin holes in CdTe should be minimized. CdS thin films as window materials must guarantee a uniform transparent film free of pinholes to avoid short-circuit in the photovoltaic device. In this work, CdTe and CdS thin films are reported in areas of 40 cm(2) with optimal physical properties for potential application on solar cells. CdTe mini-modules were fabricated using CdTe and CdS layers obtained and characterized under outdoor conditions. The current-voltage measurements were performed under different load and solar irradiance conditions.

Automated summary

Deposition of polycrystalline CdTe thin films in large areas faces challenges of non-uniformity and pin holes. This study reports CdTe and CdS thin films with optimal physical properties for potential application in solar cells, and fabricates CdTe mini-modules for outdoor characterization.