Abstract
The paper reviews first, the recent history of commercial thin film photovoltaic modules in terms of measurements we have performed on their tree AM1.5 efficiency (under natural sunlight), and their observed long-term stability properties. Attention is focused on the first generation of single-junction amorphous silicon (a-Si) modules that became available during the 1980s, and we compare their performance with those of late-1990s models fabricated with multi-junction a-Si, CdTe and CuInSe2 thin films. The efficiency and stability of these modules are compared with corresponding measurements we have performed on the high-efficiency organic solar cells that were recently produced at the Johannes Keppler University of Linz. Finally, we review the economics of grid-connected PV systems in order to provide cost benchmarks for future organic competitors.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1-12 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering |
Volume | 4465 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1 Jan 2002 |
Event | Organic Photovoltaics II - San Diego, CA, United States Duration: 2 Aug 2001 → 2 Aug 2001 |
Keywords
- Economics
- Efficiency
- Modules
- Photovoltaic
- Stability
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Computer Science Applications
- Applied Mathematics
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering