Electricity power is normally generated by burning fossil fuels, having detrimental impacts on the environment and will be depleted. One of the most appropriate ways to solve the foreseeable world's energy crisis is to utilize the power of the sun. Solar cells, using photovoltaic effect, are of wide interest as they can convert solar energy to electricity. Chalcopyrite based thin-film solar cell is considered as the low-cost and high-efficiency solar cells. One of the most important chalcopyrite compounds for photovoltaic application is Cu(In, Ga)Se2. Fabricating the solar cells on flexible substrates is intriguing, as it can be applied to the roll-to-roll process with the ability to reduce production cost of the solar cells. Consequently, the purpose of the book is to provide the overview for accomplishing the good physical properties and suitable double [Ga]/([Ga]+[In])-grading profiles of Cu(In, Ga)Se2 absorbers on flexible stainless steel substrates for the thin-film solar cells with high conversion efficiency (>15%

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.

This book offers a global perspective of the current state of affairs in the field of solar power engineering. In four parts, this well-researched volume informs about: Established solar PV (photovoltaic) technologies Third-generation PV technologies based on new materials with potential for low-cost large-scale production Solar cell technology based on new (third-generation) concepts, such as quantum dot solar cells and nano wire solar cells using silicon and compound semiconductors Economic implications and effects, as well as policies and incentives in various countries of the world involved with solar energy implementation In addition to discussing manufacturing facts and implementation issues, this book emphasizes the implications of policy measures in countries with good PV activity, such as Japan, China, India, Germany, Spain, France, Italy, the United States, and Canada. This volume is intended as a reference for a global audience of advanced students and R&D and industry professionals, as well as investors and policy-makers with fundamental knowledge of photovoltaic technology.

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.

Enormous leaps forward in the efficiency and the economy of solar cells are being made at a furious pace. New materials and manufacturing processes have opened up new realms of possibility for the application of solar cells. Crystalline silicon cells are increasingly making way for thin film cells, which are spawning experimentation with third-generation high-efficiency multijunction cells, carbon-nanotube based cells, UV light for voltage enhancement, and the use of the infrared spectrum for night-time operation, to name only a few recent advances. This thoroughly updated new edition of Markvart and Castaner's Solar Cells, extracted from their industry standard Practical Handbook of Photovoltaics, is the definitive reference covering the science and operation, materials and manufacture of solar cells. It is essential reading for engineers, installers, designers, and policy-makers who need to understand the science behind the solar cells of today, and tomorrow, in order to take solar energy to the next level. A thorough update to the definitive reference to solar cells, created by a cast of international experts from industry and academia to ensure the highest quality information from multiple perspectives Covers the whole spectrum of solar cell information, from basic scientific background, to the latest advances in materials, to manufacturing issues, to testing and calibration. Case studies, practical examples and reports on the latest advances take the new edition of this amazing resource beyond a simple amalgamation of a vast amount of knowledge, into the realm of real world applications

Nowadays, thin-film solar cells potentially offer a suitable technology for solving the energy production problem with an environmentally friendly method. Besides, thin film technologies show advantages over their bulk-semiconductor counterparts due to their lighter weight, flexible shape and device fabrication schemes and low cost in large-scale industrial production. Although many books currently exist on general concepts of PV materials and devices, few are offering a comprehensive overview of the fast development in thin film Cu(In, Ga)Se2-based solar cells. "Key Developments in CuInGaSe2 Thin Film Solar Cell" would provide an international perspective on the latest research on this topic. It presents a wide range of scientific and technological aspects on basic properties and device physics of high-efficiency CIGS solar cells from the last research frontier point of view. The book was designed for photovoltaic researchers and scientists, students and engineers, with the mission to provide knowledge of the mechanisms, materials, devices, and applications of CIGS-based technology necessary to develop cheaper and cleaner renewable energy in the coming years.