Some problems of the thin-film cadmium-sulfide solar cell

Abstract

Studies were made of the degradation of 50 cm2cadmium-sulfide thin-film solar cells caused by exposure to humidity and simulated space environment. Uncovered cells and those laminated with Capran adhesive were degraded at rates proportional to the amount of moisture present. Cells that lost less than 50 percent of their original output could be restored completely by being heated in a vacuum. Recent cells laminated with epoxy adhesive are not affected by moisture. Cadmium-sulfide solar cells fabricated with metal substrates and electroplated gold grids or with plastic substrates have very long thermal cycling lives in simulated space environments.