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Research on ultra-thin cadmium telluride heterojunction thin film solar cells

Author

Listed:
  • Tai, Yunpu
  • Zhang, Xin
  • Li, Jiawei
  • Zheng, Yujie
  • Liu, Guomei
  • Zhang, Jingquan
  • Zeng, Guanggen
  • Yakubov, Komiljon
  • Alla, Chebotareva

Abstract

Cadmium Telluride thin film solar cell is very suitable for building integrated photovoltaics due to its high efficiency and excellent stability. To further reduce the production costs, relieve the scarcity of Tellurium, and apply in building integrated photovoltaics, ultra-thin CdTe photovoltaic technology has been developed. Some study have discussed the research progress of ultra-thin solar cells in terms of silicon and copper indium gallium selenide solar cells, but there are few review papers from the aspect of CdTe solar cells. This review focuses on the ultra-thin CdTe solar cell for the first time and provides a comprehensive and systematic summary. Firstly, the structure of this device is described, and the history of its development is reviewed. Secondly, the advantages and disadvantages of different methods are discussed, and the corresponding solutions are given. Thirdly, the factors limiting device efficiency are analyzed and future directions are suggested. Lastly, the application of ultra-thin device in semi-transparent devices is presented and the challenges are summarized. By reviewing a wide range of materials, we aim to provide valuable insights into the development of ultra-thin cadmium telluride solar cells and to promote its application in building integrated photovoltaics, which is of great importance in reducing carbon emissions to achieve sustainable development.

Suggested Citation

  • Tai, Yunpu & Zhang, Xin & Li, Jiawei & Zheng, Yujie & Liu, Guomei & Zhang, Jingquan & Zeng, Guanggen & Yakubov, Komiljon & Alla, Chebotareva, 2025. "Research on ultra-thin cadmium telluride heterojunction thin film solar cells," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 207(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:207:y:2025:i:c:s1364032124007226
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2024.114996
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Alessio Bosio & Greta Rosa & Daniele Menossi & Nicola Romeo, 2016. "How the Chlorine Treatment and the Stoichiometry Influences the Grain Boundary Passivation in Polycrystalline CdTe Thin Films," Energies, MDPI, vol. 9(4), pages 1-13, March.
    2. Feltrin, Andrea & Freundlich, Alex, 2008. "Material considerations for terawatt level deployment of photovoltaics," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 33(2), pages 180-185.
    3. Alessandro Romeo & Elisa Artegiani, 2021. "CdTe-Based Thin Film Solar Cells: Past, Present and Future," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(6), pages 1-24, March.
    4. 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.
    5. Muthu Vimala & Geetha Ramadas & Muthaiya Perarasi & Athikesavan Muthu Manokar & Ravishankar Sathyamurthy, 2023. "A Review of Different Types of Solar Cell Materials Employed in Bifacial Solar Photovoltaic Panel," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(8), pages 1-19, April.
    6. Romain Cariou & Jan Benick & Frank Feldmann & Oliver Höhn & Hubert Hauser & Paul Beutel & Nasser Razek & Markus Wimplinger & Benedikt Bläsi & David Lackner & Martin Hermle & Gerald Siefer & Stefan W. , 2018. "III–V-on-silicon solar cells reaching 33% photoconversion efficiency in two-terminal configuration," Nature Energy, Nature, vol. 3(4), pages 326-333, April.
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