Increasing thin film silicon solar cells efficiency by:
Characterizing and improving the material quality (by modifying e.g. deposition processes) of microcrystalline silicon deposited in small-area laboratory PECVD systems and in semi-large area industrial PECVD systems.
Improving the stability of a-Si:H solar cells to achieve larger stabilized efficiencies: protocrystalline materials and low deposition rate material to reduce the material degradation, or reduction of the impact onto the cell performance of the Staebler-Wronski effect.
Implementing and assessing the light trapping potential in single to multi-junctions solar cells of new morphologies. Developments of novel concepts and materials to realize textured front electrode and substrate.
Developing advanced concepts for optical confinement in the multi-junctions solar cells
Improving the cell design to retain high electrical properties for cells deposited on highly textured substrates
Testing different multi-junctions combinations and in that respect developing high-gap and low-gap materials
Improving the solar cell design to ensure reduced cost of ownership for thin film silicon solar modules. One of the focus is for example on the development of high quality high deposition rate µc-Si:H material to decrease deposition time and hence production costs (strong collaboration with industries).
Developing a better understanding of the relationship between plasma conditions, material quality and solar cell efficiency (in collaboration with the plasma group).
Developing and implementing material and solar cell and modules characterization techniques