This first comprehensive description of the most important material properties and device aspects closes the gap between general books on solar cells and journal articles on chalcogenide-based photovoltaics. Written by two very renowned authors with years of practical experience in the field, the book covers II-VI and I-III-VI2 materials as well as energy conversion at heterojunctions. It also discusses the latest semiconductor heterojunction models and presents modern analysis concepts. Thin film technology is explained with an emphasis on current and future techniques for mass production, and the book closes with a compendium of failure analysis in photovoltaic thin film modules. With its overview of the semiconductor physics and technology needed, this practical book is ideal for students, researchers, and manufacturers, as well as for the growing number of engineers and researchers working in companies and institutes on chalcogenide photovoltaics.

Solar PV is now the third most important renewable energy source, after hydro and wind power, in terms of global installed capacity. Bringing together the expertise of international PV specialists Photovoltaic Solar Energy: From Fundamentals to Applications provides a comprehensive and up-to-date account of existing PV technologies in conjunction with an assessment of technological developments. Key features: Written by leading specialists active in concurrent developments in material sciences, solar cell research and application-driven R&D. Provides a basic knowledge base in light, photons and solar irradiance and basic functional principles of PV. Covers characterization techniques, economics and applications of PV such as silicon, thin-film and hybrid solar cells. Presents a compendium of PV technologies including: crystalline silicon technologies; chalcogenide thin film solar cells; thin-film silicon based PV technologies; organic PV and III-Vs; PV concentrator technologies; space technologies and economics, life-cycle and user aspects of PV technologies. Each chapter presents basic principles and formulas as well as major technological developments in a contemporary context with a look at future developments in this rapidly changing field of science and engineering. Ideal for industrial engineers and scientists beginning careers in PV as well as graduate students undertaking PV research and high-level undergraduate students.

Investigate the chalcogenides with this comprehensive consideration of their structural and chemical characteristics. This book provides a deep dive for researchers, material scientists, and inquisitive minds. • Explore the bonding patterns and atomic arrangements that define chalcogenides. • Unravel the unique crystal structures of various chalcogenide families, from layered wonders to complex networks. • Gain a thorough understanding of the factors governing chalcogenide formation and composition. • Have an impact on structural and chemical features by the electrical, optical, and other properties of chalcogenides. • Implement the vast applications of chalcogenides in fields ranging from photonics and electronics to energy storage and catalysis. • Learn the structural and chemical features of chalcogenides to provide a rich understanding of these versatile materials, positioning you to unlock their potential for groundbreaking advancements.

This book presents a comparison of solar cell materials, including both new materials based on organics, nanostructures and novel inorganics and developments in more traditional photovoltaic materials. It surveys the materials and materials trends in the field including third generation solar cells (multiple energy level cells, thermal approaches and the modification of the solar spectrum) with an eye firmly on low costs, energy efficiency and the use of abundant non-toxic materials.

Two-dimensional semiconducting materials (2D-SCMs) are the subject of intensive study in the fields of photonics and optoelectronics because of their unusual optical, electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties. The main objective of 2D Semiconducting Materials for Electronic, Photonic, and Optoelectronic Devices is to provide current, state-of-the-art knowledge of two-dimensional semiconducting materials for various applications. Two-dimensional semiconducting materials are the basic building blocks for making photodiodes, light-emitting diodes, light-detecting devices, data storage, telecommunications, and energy-storage devices. When it comes to two-dimensional semiconducting materials, electronic, photonic, and optoelectronic applications, as well as future plans for improving performance, no modern book covers as much ground. The planned book will fill such gaps by offering a comprehensive analysis of two-dimensional semiconducting materials. This book covers a range of advanced 2D materials, their fundamentals, and the chemistry for many emerging applications. All the chapters are covered by experts in these areas around the world, making this a suitable textbook for students and providing new guidelines to researchers and industries. • Covers topics such as fundamentals and advanced knowledge of two-dimensional semiconducting materials • Provides details about the recent methods used for the synthesis, characterization, and applications of two-dimensional semiconducting materials • Covers the state-of-the-art development in two-dimensional semiconducting materials and their emerging applications This book provides directions to students, scientists, and researchers in semiconductors and related disciplines to help them better understand the physics, characteristics, and applications of 2D semiconductors.

The versatility of organic photovoltaics is already well known and this completely revised, updated, and enlarged edition of a classic provides an up-to-date overview of this hot topic. The proven structure of the successful first edition, divided into the three key aspects of successful device design: materials, device physics, and manufacturing technologies, has been retained. Important aspects such as printing technologies, substrates, and electrode systems are covered. The result is a balanced, comprehensive text on the fundamentals as well as the latest results in the area that will set R&D trends for years to come. With its combination of both academic and commercial technological views, this is an optimal source of information for scientists, engineers, and graduate students already actively working in this field, and looking for comprehensive summaries on specific topics.

This handbook opens with an overview of solar radiation and how its energy can be tapped using photovoltaic cells. Other chapters cover the technology, manufacture and application of PV cells in real situations. The book ends by exploring the economic and business aspects of PV systems.