New trends in thin-film silicon solar cell technology

Thin-film silicon solar cell technology based oil hydrogenated amorphous silicon has matured over the last 1 two decades and is, capable to deliver commercial modules with almost 10% stabilized efficiency. The status of thin-filin silicon solar cell technology is reviewed by comparing it to other major solar cell technologies. The basic operation principles and the shortcomings of a-Si:H solar cells are outlined The multi-junction and multi-band gap approach for obtaining highly efficient a-Si:H based solar cells is introduced. Application of novel materials, such as hydrogenated microcrystalline silicon and protocrystalline silicon, and efficient light trapping techniques in the multi-junction solar structures is highlighted. 4 novel temporary superstrate concept for a low-cost roll-to-roll production of thin-filin silicon solar cells that has been developed in The Netherlands is presented.