High-efficiency electrodeposited cadmium telluride solar cells

Abstract

We report on the development of a low‐cost, thin‐film electrodeposited cadmium telluride solar cell. The most efficient cell developed to date had an efficiency of 8.6% (under AM1 illumination), an open circuit voltage of 0.723 V, a short circuit current density of 18.7 mA/cm², and a fill factor of 0.64. The cell uses a Schottky barrier rectifying junction at the front surface and a cadmium ohmic contact at the back. Passivation of the top surface improves the photovoltaic properties of the rectifying junction.