Printed Solar Cell Using Nanostructured Ink

A reduction in the cost of solar cell manufacturing is needed to accelerate penetration into the renewable energy market. To address this neeed, this project will develop a low-cost, photovoltaic solar module based on thin-film, CuInGaSe2 (CIGS) nanostructured materials, which are deposited by high-throughput roll-to-roll printing onto lightweight and flexible foil substrates. The development of this technology would permit solar modules to be manufactured at less than $1/Wp ¿ equivalent to an electricity cost below the retail grid electricity price in most of the United States ¿ an unprecedented level that would allow energy consumers to access far more economic and stable electricity pricing throughout the U.S. To reach a 10% or greater power conversion efficiency, Phase I will (1) synthesize high-purity, nanostructured ink components, (2) disperse these nanostructered components in solvent and dispersant, and (3) print this dispersion as a thin film coating onto a foil substrate moving in a roll-to-roll coating system. The dispersion¿s composition, viscosity, and stability will be optimized to promote the formation of a stable semiconductor ink and support the deposition of a high-quality thin-film layer, which will serve as the active light-absorbing layer in the final photovoltaic device. Once a dispersion formulation has been established, printing the dispersion onto a moving substrate will require tuning of the key print parameters, including die angle and width, feed pressure, and wind and rewind tension. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The low cost photovoltaic module should bridge the principal gap to bringing low-cost solar electricity to market. In addition, the technology also may encourage the further application of roll-to-roll electronics.