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A review of thin film solar cell technologies and challenges

Author

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  • Lee, Taesoo D.
  • Ebong, Abasifreke U.

Abstract

Thin film solar cells are favorable because of their minimum material usage and rising efficiencies. The three major thin film solar cell technologies include amorphous silicon (α-Si), copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS), and cadmium telluride (CdTe). In this paper, the evolution of each technology is discussed in both laboratory and commercial settings, and market share and reliability are equally explored. The module efficiencies of CIGS and CdTe technologies almost rival that of crystalline solar cells, which currently possess greater than 55% of the market share. α-Si is plagued with low efficiency and light-induced degradation, so it is almost extinct in terrestrial applications. CIGS and CdTe hold the greatest promise for the future of thin film. Longevity, reliability, consumer confidence and greater investments must be established before thin film solar cells are explored on building integrated photovoltaic systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Lee, Taesoo D. & Ebong, Abasifreke U., 2017. "A review of thin film solar cell technologies and challenges," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 70(C), pages 1286-1297.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:70:y:2017:i:c:p:1286-1297
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2016.12.028
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    3. Ali, Hayder & Khan, Hassan Abbas, 2020. "Techno-economic evaluation of two 42 kWp polycrystalline-Si and CIS thin-film based PV rooftop systems in Pakistan," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 152(C), pages 347-357.
    4. Selvaraj, Prabhakaran & Ghosh, Aritra & Mallick, Tapas K. & Sundaram, Senthilarasu, 2019. "Investigation of semi-transparent dye-sensitized solar cells for fenestration integration," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 141(C), pages 516-525.
    5. Syed Abdul Moiz & A. N. M. Alahmadi & Abdulah Jeza Aljohani, 2020. "Design of Silicon Nanowire Array for PEDOT:PSS-Silicon Nanowire-Based Hybrid Solar Cell," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(15), pages 1-23, July.
    6. Venkateswari, R. & Sreejith, S., 2019. "Factors influencing the efficiency of photovoltaic system," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 101(C), pages 376-394.
    7. Lai, Kuei-Kuei & Bhatt, Priyanka C. & Kumar, Vimal & Chen, Hsueh-Chen & Chang, Yu-Hsin & Su, Fang-Pei, 2021. "Identifying the impact of patent family on the patent trajectory: A case of thin film solar cells technological trajectories," Journal of Informetrics, Elsevier, vol. 15(2).
    8. Thi Thu Em Vo & Hyeyoung Ko & Junho Huh & Namje Park, 2021. "Overview of Possibilities of Solar Floating Photovoltaic Systems in the OffShore Industry," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(21), pages 1-30, October.
    9. Kabayo, Jeremiah & Marques, Pedro & Garcia, Rita & Freire, Fausto, 2019. "Life-cycle sustainability assessment of key electricity generation systems in Portugal," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 176(C), pages 131-142.
    10. Reza Khalifeeh & Hameed Alrashidi & Nazmi Sellami & Tapas Mallick & Walid Issa, 2021. "State-of-the-Art Review on the Energy Performance of Semi-Transparent Building Integrated Photovoltaic across a Range of Different Climatic and Environmental Conditions," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(12), pages 1-19, June.
    11. Shubbak, Mahmood H., 2019. "Advances in solar photovoltaics: Technology review and patent trends," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 115(C).
    12. Ziapour, Behrooz M. & Alirezaei, Hadi & Ghorannevis, Sepideh, 2023. "Energy recovery from the enclosures between the glassing covers in a compact photovoltaic thermal collector," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 216(C).
    13. Claus, R. & López, M., 2022. "Key issues in the design of floating photovoltaic structures for the marine environment," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 164(C).
    14. López, Mario & Claus, Rubén & Soto, Fernando & Hernández-Garrastacho, Zenaida A. & Cebada-Relea, Alejandro & Simancas, Orlando, 2024. "Advancing offshore solar energy generation: The HelioSea concept," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 359(C).
    15. Freier, Daria & Ramirez-Iniguez, Roberto & Jafry, Tahseen & Muhammad-Sukki, Firdaus & Gamio, Carlos, 2018. "A review of optical concentrators for portable solar photovoltaic systems for developing countries," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 90(C), pages 957-968.
    16. Tong, Yueheng & Yang, Wei, 2022. "Numerical analysis and experimental study on the thermoelectric characteristics of the Al–Si alloy used for building energy storage tile," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 200(C), pages 1447-1457.
    17. Năstase, Gabriel & Șerban, Alexandru & Dragomir, George & Brezeanu, Alin Ionuț & Bucur, Irina, 2018. "Photovoltaic development in Romania. Reviewing what has been done," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 94(C), pages 523-535.
    18. Chee, A. Kuan-Way, 2023. "On current technology for light absorber materials used in highly efficient industrial solar cells," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 173(C).
    19. Igor Perlikowski & Eunika Zielony & Teoman Özdal & Hamide Kavak, 2021. "Structural Properties and Electrical Characteristics of p-n Junctions Based on Kesterite Cu 2 ZnSnS 4 Layers for Thin-Film Solar Cells," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-12, August.
    20. Yiqing Dai & Yan Yin & Yundi Lu, 2021. "Strategies to Facilitate Photovoltaic Applications in Road Structures for Energy Harvesting," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(21), pages 1-14, October.
    21. Agliuzza, Matteo & Mezza, Alessio & Sacco, Adriano, 2023. "Solar-driven integrated carbon capture and utilization: Coupling CO2 electroreduction toward CO with capture or photovoltaic systems," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 334(C).
    22. Liu, Cheng-Yi & Huang, Chun-Kai & Huang, Yen-Yu & Chang, Kun-Chieh & Yu, Kun-Lin & Chiang, Chien-Hung & Wu, Chun-Guey & Lee, Shih-Chang & Yen, Wei-Yu & Sheu, Jinn-Kong & Shi, Jin-Wei, 2022. "Flexible multijunction solar cells embedded inside smart dust modules for outdoor applications to Smart Grids," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 306(PA).

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