Physics of Thin-Film Photovoltaics

Book excerpt: The overall objective of this book to give a self-contained in-depth discussion of the physics of thin-film systems in a manner accessible to both researchers and students, so that the readers gain a sound perspective on the past and a foundation for projecting future trends. It starts with a brief general introduction to renewable energy, photovoltaics, and thin-film technology challenges. It covers most aspects of the physics of thin-film photovoltaic devices, including device operations, material structure and parameters, thin-film junction formation, analytical and numerical modeling, recently developed concepts of large area effects and lateral non-uniformities, physics of shunting (both shunt growth and effects), and the physics underlying device degradation. Also, it reviews a variety of physical diagnostic techniques proven in thin-film photovoltaic technology.