GOALI: Thin Film Silicon Solar Cells on Plastic Substrates

Iowa State University, Ames IA

Investigators

Abstract

Photovoltaic energy conversion is an important industry for the future of the world?s energy system. The current production volume worldwide is over 2.5 GW/year, growing at over 40% per year. The current industry is based approximately 91% on the use of crystalline Si, and the growth of the industry has been hampered by the high and increasing cost of Si wafers. Intellectual Merit: This GOALI program focuses on developing low cost, high performance solar photovoltaic technology based on thin film Si deposited on polymer substrates, using a transformative device architecture. This proposal addresses an alternative thin film silicon technology that can achieve a level of performance similar to that of thick crystalline silicon , while using only 1-2 micrometer thicknesses. The proposed work focuses on the investigation of novel device architectures including use of amorphous/crystalline superlattices, photonic bandgap structures and new material growth techniques to achieve higher performance in thin film silicon. Broader Impact: The program involves a strong collaboration with PowerFilm Solar, the leading U. S. company working on polymer based solar cells. The program will offer research and educational opportunities to both graduate and undergraduate students.