64
Novel
High Temperature Polymer Substrate for Low Cost High Efficiency Thin Film CIGS
Solar Cells--Foster-Miller,
Inc., 350 Second Avenue, Waltham, MA 02451-1196;
781-684-4242
Dr.
Nese Orbey, Principal Investigator, norbey@foster-miller.com
Mr.
Ross R. Olander, Business Official, sdorsey@foster-miller.com
DOE
Grant No. DE-FG02-02ER83430
Amount:
$99,728
Solar
energy from photovoltaics is too expensive for widespread terrestrial use.
High costs per watt are due to poor material quality caused by a low
substrate-limited growth temperature and costly module-fabrication, which relies
on the discrete interconnection of individual cells.
This project will develop an in-line evaporation method for continuously
forming module-sized solar panels that use integrated interconnects.
The approach will use a plastic substrate with a higher softening
temperature compared to previously used substrates, permitting the higher
deposition temperatures that promote improved solar cell efficiency.
In Phase I, CuInGaSe will be deposited onto Polyphenylene Benzo Bis
Oxazole, which can come as long, thin flexible rolls.
Deposition will occur in an inline, continuous-process evaporation
chamber. Material quality versus
deposition temperature will be determined. Photovoltaic
performance data will be used as the measure of the photovoltaic efficiency of
the deposited layer.
Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The technology should result in the availability of cost-effective modules that can be used in portable, flexible power sources and large-area terrestrial photovoltaic power installations.