The Problem:
Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) solar cells are the second most common photovoltaic (PV) technology in the world, and they can be manufactured quickly and inexpensively, providing a lower‐cost alternative to conventional silicon‐based technologies. However, current commercial CdTe thin film solar cells, which are created using Group I element (Cu) doping, experience degradation over the long-term.
The Solution:
Researchers at the University of Alabama have developed an improved doping process using Group V dopants for CdTe solar cells that address the issue of long‐term degradation. Group V is a group of elements in the periodic table, including nitrogen, phosphorus, arsenic, antimony, and bismuth. This technology uses a post deposition Group V doping process in CdTe thin film solar cells, resulting in high efficiency, long durability, and the potential to overcome the long-term degradation of the commercial doping methods.
Group V Doping Process
Benefits:
· Higher efficiency (>18%)
· Longer stability and durability
· Long term degradation resistance
· Easy operation & manufacturing
· Improves environmental robustness of CdTe cells
The University of Alabama Research Office of Innovation and Commercialization (OIC) is a non-profit corporation that is responsible for commercializing University of Alabama technologies and for supporting University research. At OIC, we seek parties that are interested in learning more about our technologies and commercialization opportunities, and we welcome any inquiries you may have.
