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A review of thin film solar cell technologies and challenges

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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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    Cited by:

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    9. 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.
    10. 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.
    11. 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).
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    13. 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.
    14. 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.
    15. 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.
    16. 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.
    17. Shubbak, Mahmood H., 2019. "Advances in solar photovoltaics: Technology review and patent trends," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 115(C).
    18. 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.
    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).

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