High-efficiency large-area CdTe modules

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Abstract
This annual technical progress report covers Photon Energy Inc. (PEI) work to produce a small solar cell with an efficiency of 12.3%. The high efficiency of this device was largely due to improving the window layer. Analyzing the diode characteristics of this cell indicates that the largest potential for fill-factor improvement lies in reducing the diode quality factor. Through outdoor life-testing of encapsulated modules and accelerated lifetesting of laboratory cells, the CdS/CdTe structure has demonstrated the long-term stability necessary for photovoltaic products. Also described is a preformed metal backcap, which is fitted with hermetic feed-through tubes and used for encapsulization. Using the results of these studies, PEI produced sample modules with efficiencies very close to the original objectives, including a l-ft{sup 2} module with an output of 6.1 W and an active area of 754 cm{sup 2}. For this module, the active-area efficiency was 8.1% and the aperture efficiency was 7.3%. 9 refs., 12 figs., 3 tabs.

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