Thin-film silicon technology for highly-efficient solar cells

Photovoltaic (PV) electricity generation is currently the fastest growing technology for energy production. PV technology is for more than 90% based on silicon as source material and this material is one of the most expensive components of silicon based solar cells. Thin-film silicon based solar cells are low-cost alternatives. This contribution discusses the most important features of amorphous silicon based thin-film solar cells. In addition, solar cells based on a heterojunction between amorphous silicon and crystalline silicon are discussed. This solar-cell technology has how attracted much attention due to the high performance and several industrial benefits resulting from low-temperature processing.