Non-Vacuum Techniques for Front and Back Contacts for CIGS Solar Cells

70501 The commercialization of printable, high efficiency thin film Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS) solar cells has been hampered by the high cost of manufacturing. This project will develop a non-vacuum process for applying molybdenum (Mo) contacts for these solar cells. The approach compliments a previously developed non-vacuum, ink-based process for depositing CIGS absorber layers. Printable inks, as well as the latest developments in printing technologies, will be used for processing the electronic thin films for these solar cells. Phase I will demonstrate the application of a Mo layer to a metallizing glass (insulating) substrate, using the low-cost, non¿vacuum process. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The technology should lower the cost of manufacturing CIGS solar cells by lowering the initial capital cost of the equipment required for starting a manufacturing line. A successful demonstration should lower the perceived risk and accelerate the commercialization of CIGS solar cells.