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Chapter 1
1.7 Contribution to the research field
The reliability of relatively mature photovoltaic techniques, like crystalline silicon as
well as CdTe and CIGS modules, is often considered as a development theme for the
industry, while the academic world focuses more on the research on new materials.
However, industry is often driven by rapid market introduction of solar modules in-
stead of answering fundamental questions regarding their reliability. This study has
aimed to increase the fundamental apprehension of the stability and predictability of
CIGS solar cells and modules.
Within this thesis, CIGS solar cells and their individual layers have been studied and the
deposition conditions leading to the most stable and predictable devices or layers have
been selected. This knowledge can directly be applied in order to obtain more stable
solar cells and modules and allow the use of less and more cost-effective barrier mate -
rials. Additionally, the identification of chemical species leading to the degradation of
the devices and layers can also help a more effective selection of the barrier material.
Finally, the two accelerated degradation tests developed within this thesis will likely
be introduced in other places: an improved version of the more complicated ‘in-situ
hybrid’ degradation test can be purchased from three Dutch SME’s, which have cho-
sen to commercialise the setup. The ‘atmospheric species’ test described in articles
and this thesis and can be replicated easily by interested parties.
1.8 Acknowledgements
I would like to acknowledge A. Kuypers (TNO) for the image courtesy of Figure 1.1 and
N. Barreau (IMN-UMR), M. Verheijen (Philips Innovation Services) and I. Schrauwers (IS
design) for the image courtesy of Figure 1.6, while I. Schrauwers is also acknowledged
for Figure 1.7 and Figure 1.8. P. Mints (SPV Market Research) is acknowledged for provid -
ing the data in Figure 1.4 and Figure 1.5. F. Ruske (HZB) is acknowledged for Figure 1.10.
1.9 References
[1] N. Dhere, Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, http://www.nrel.gov/ncpv/images/efficiency-
91 (2007) 1376-1382 chart.jpg. accessed 8 December 2014
[2] European Photovoltaic Industry Association, [4] P. Reinhard, S. Bücheler, A. Tiwari, Solar Energy
Global Market Outlook For Photovoltaics 2014- Materials & Solar Cells 119 (2013) 287–290
2018 (2014) [5] P. Mints, SPV Market Research, Global Markets
[3] Best Research Cell Efficiency Chart. The Nation- for Sun Energy Technologies - A Supply/De-
al Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO. mand Perspective to 2017, SUNday 20 Novem-
22
1.7 Contribution to the research field
The reliability of relatively mature photovoltaic techniques, like crystalline silicon as
well as CdTe and CIGS modules, is often considered as a development theme for the
industry, while the academic world focuses more on the research on new materials.
However, industry is often driven by rapid market introduction of solar modules in-
stead of answering fundamental questions regarding their reliability. This study has
aimed to increase the fundamental apprehension of the stability and predictability of
CIGS solar cells and modules.
Within this thesis, CIGS solar cells and their individual layers have been studied and the
deposition conditions leading to the most stable and predictable devices or layers have
been selected. This knowledge can directly be applied in order to obtain more stable
solar cells and modules and allow the use of less and more cost-effective barrier mate -
rials. Additionally, the identification of chemical species leading to the degradation of
the devices and layers can also help a more effective selection of the barrier material.
Finally, the two accelerated degradation tests developed within this thesis will likely
be introduced in other places: an improved version of the more complicated ‘in-situ
hybrid’ degradation test can be purchased from three Dutch SME’s, which have cho-
sen to commercialise the setup. The ‘atmospheric species’ test described in articles
and this thesis and can be replicated easily by interested parties.
1.8 Acknowledgements
I would like to acknowledge A. Kuypers (TNO) for the image courtesy of Figure 1.1 and
N. Barreau (IMN-UMR), M. Verheijen (Philips Innovation Services) and I. Schrauwers (IS
design) for the image courtesy of Figure 1.6, while I. Schrauwers is also acknowledged
for Figure 1.7 and Figure 1.8. P. Mints (SPV Market Research) is acknowledged for provid -
ing the data in Figure 1.4 and Figure 1.5. F. Ruske (HZB) is acknowledged for Figure 1.10.
1.9 References
[1] N. Dhere, Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, http://www.nrel.gov/ncpv/images/efficiency-
91 (2007) 1376-1382 chart.jpg. accessed 8 December 2014
[2] European Photovoltaic Industry Association, [4] P. Reinhard, S. Bücheler, A. Tiwari, Solar Energy
Global Market Outlook For Photovoltaics 2014- Materials & Solar Cells 119 (2013) 287–290
2018 (2014) [5] P. Mints, SPV Market Research, Global Markets
[3] Best Research Cell Efficiency Chart. The Nation- for Sun Energy Technologies - A Supply/De-
al Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO. mand Perspective to 2017, SUNday 20 Novem-
22
