Quantitative Analysis Of Spatially Resolved Electroluminescence Of Cu In Ga Se2 And A Si H Thin Film Solar Cells And Modules

The book focuses on advanced characterization methods for thin-film solar cells that have proven their relevance both for academic and corporate photovoltaic research and development. After an introduction to thin-film photovoltaics, highly experienced experts report on device and materials characterization methods such as electroluminescence analysis, capacitance spectroscopy, and various microscopy methods. In the final part of the book simulation techniques are presented which are used for ab-initio calculations of relevant semiconductors and for device simulations in 1D, 2D and 3D. Building on a proven concept, this new edition also covers thermography, transient optoelectronic methods, and absorption and photocurrent spectroscopy.

The book is devoted to the spatial characterization of solar cells and PV modules. It is written both as a monograph as well as a succinct guide for the state-of-the-art spatial characterization techniques and approaches. Amongst the approaches discussed are visual imaging, electro- and photo-luminescence imaging, thermography, and light beam induced mapping techniques. Emphasis is given on the luminescence image acquisition and interpretation due to its great potential. Characterization techniques are accompanied by simulation tools. The contents are aimed at a readership of students and senior researchers in R&D as well as engineers in industry who are newcomers to the spatial characterization of either solar cells or PV modules. The concepts and approaches presented herein are based on but not limited to case studies of real thin-film PV devices. Key features:  Review of spatially resolved characterization techniques and accompanying SPICE simulations in photovoltaics  Use of spatially resolved characterization techniques and their combinations for the identification of inhomogeneities in small area CdTe and dye-sensitized solar cells  Case studies of electroluminescence imaging of commercial PV modules (c-Si, CIGS, CdTe, a-Si, tandem and triple junction thin-film-Si) The contents are aimed at a readership of students and senior researchers in R&D as well as engineers in industry who are newcomers to the spatial characterization of either solar cells or PV modules. The concepts and approaches presented herein are based on but not limited to case studies of real thin-film PV devices. Key features:  Review of spatially resolved characterization techniques and accompanying SPICE simulations in photovoltaics  Use of spatially resolved characterization techniques and their combinations for the identification of inhomogeneities in small area CdTe and dye-sensitized solar cells  Case studies of electroluminescence imaging of commercial PV modules (c-Si, CIGS, CdTe, a-Si, tandem and triple junction thin-film-Si)

The composition of the CIGSe and CZTSe samples was investigated using energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) analysis and wavelength dispersive x-ray (WDX) technique, respectively. According to the microscopy results, calculated cation ratios proved the nature of established recombinations.

Research and development of photovoltaic solar cells is playing an ever larger practical role in energy supply and ecological conservation all over the world. Many materials science problems are encountered in understanding existing solar cells and the development of more efficient, less costly, and more stable cells. This important and timely book provides a historical overview, but concentrates primarily on exciting developments in the last decade. It describes the properties of the materials that play an important role in photovoltaic applications, the solar cell structures in which they are used, and the experimental and theoretical developments that have led to the most promising contenders./a

Oxide Free Nanomaterials for Energy Storage and Conversion Applications covers in depth topics on non-oxide nanomaterials involving transition metal nitrides, carbides, selenides, phosphides, oxynitrides based electrodes, & other non-oxide groups. The current application of nanostructured nonoxides involves their major usage in energy storage and conversion devices variety of applications such as supercapacitor, batteries, dye-sensitized solar cells and hydrogen production applications. The current application of energy storage devices involves their usage of nanostructured non-oxide materials with improved energy and power densities. In this book readers will discover the major advancements in this field during the past decades. The various techniques used to prepare environmentally friendly nanostructured non-oxide materials, their structural and morphological characterization, their improved mechanical and material properties, and finally, current applications and future impacts of these materials are discussed. While planning and fabricating non-oxide materials, the readers must be concern over that they ought to be abundant, cost-efficient and environment-friendly for clean innovation and conceivably be of use in an expansive choice of utilization. The book gives detailed literature on the development of nanostructured non-oxides, their use as energy related devices and their present trend in the industry and market. This book also emphasis on the latest advancement about application of these noble non-oxide based materials for photocatalytic water-splitting. Recent progress on various kinds of both photocatalytic and electrocatalytic nanomaterials is reviewed, and essential aspects which govern catalytic behaviours and the corresponding stability are discussed. The book will give an updated literature on the synthesis, potential applications and future of nanostructured non-oxides in energy related applications. This book is highly useful to researchers working in the field with diversified backgrounds are expected to making the chapter truly interdisciplinary in nature. The contents in the book will emphasize the recent advances in interdisciplinary research on processing, morphology, structure and properties of nanostructured non-materials and their applications in energy applications such as supercapacitors, batteries, solar cells, electrochemical water splitting and other energy applications. Thus, nanotechnology researchers, scientists and experts need to have update of the growing trends and applications in the field of science and technology. Further, the postgraduate students, scientists, researchers and technologists are need to buy this book. Offers a comprehensive coverage of the nanostructured non-oxide materials and their potential energy applications Examines the properties of nanostructured non-oxide materials that make them so adaptable Explores the mechanisms by which nanoparticles interact with each other, showing how these can be used for industrial applications Shows the how nanostructured non-oxide materials are used in a wide range of industry sectors, containing energy production and storage

Fundamentals of Solar Cells: Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conversion provides an introduction to the fundamental physical principles of solar cells. It aims to promote the expansion of solar photovoltaics from relatively small and specialized use to a large-scale contribution to energy supply. The book begins with a review of basic concepts such as the source of energy, the role of photovoltaic conversion, the development of photovoltaic cells, and sequence of phenomena involved in solar power generation. This is followed by separate chapters on each of the processes that take place in solar cell. These include solar input; properties of semiconductors; recombination and the flow of photogenerated carriers; charge separation and the characteristics of junction barriers; and calculation of solar efficiency. Subsequent chapters deal with the operation of specific solar cell devices such as a single-crystal homojunction (Si); a single-crystal-heterojunction/buried-homojunction (AlGaAs/GaAs); and a polycrystalline, thin-film cell (CuxS/CdS). This book is intended for upper-level graduate students who have a reasonably good understanding of solid state physics and for scientists and engineers involved in research and development of solar cells.

Photovoltaic cells provide clean, reversible electrical power from the sun. Made from semiconductors, they are durable, silent in operation and free of polluting emissions. In this book, experts from all sectors of the PV community — materials scientists, physicists, production engineers, economists and environmentalists — give their critical appraisals of where the technology is now and what its prospects are./a