BOOSTER FILMS FOR SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS

摘要

We describe stacked photovoltaic modules, and components thereof, in which at least one booster cell is combined with at least one primary cell in a stacked configuration. The booster cell may be in the form of a polycrystalline film disposed on a transparent substrate, such as a glass substrate, and the film may be patterned to form multiple booster cells. The booster cell includes an n-type layer and a p-type layer; the n-type layer may include polycrystalline zinc sulfide (ZnS), and the p-type layer may include polycrystalline zinc telluride (ZnTe). The n-type layer may have a band gap energy of at least 3.5 eV, and the p-type layer may have a band gap energy of at least 2 or at least 2.2 eV, or in a range from 2.2 to 2.3 eV. An intrinsic layer, also comprising polycrystalline ZnTe, may reside between the n-type and p-type layers.

主权项

1. A component for use in a solar module, the component comprising:
a transparent glass substrate; and a thin-film photovoltaic booster cell formed on the substrate, the booster cell comprising an n-type layer and a p-type layer, the n-type layer comprising polycrystalline zinc sulfide (ZnS) and having a band gap energy of at least 3.5 eV, and the p-type layer comprising polycrystalline zinc telluride (ZnTe); wherein the booster cell is adapted to generate electricity by absorbing solar radiation in a first wavelength range, the booster cell also being adapted to transmit solar radiation in a second wavelength range greater than the first wavelength range.