Novel High Temperature Polymer Substrate for Low Cost High Efficiency Thin Film CIGS Solar Cells

70450 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.